Reviewed by Philip Crawley

Singer/songwriters are the bright lights standing against the dark onslaught of boy bands! I like Mal Pope - not just because he seems to have some of the best musical elements of Paul Carrack and Ian White - but also because he has been tirelessly going for it for so many years. From Elton John's Rocket Record' in the '70s through seminal Christian band After The Fire in the '80s to the 'City Of Gold' project in the '90s the man has never stayed still. This disc is a fine collection of 14 self-penned numbers that include collaborations with Mr Martyn Joseph and Bonnie Tyler (big voiced, '80s chart-topping Welsh lady) and takes in the full gamut of the human condition. All of the songs demand to be heard again and you're left pondering what you've heard. Some have the story telling element ("The Bells Of Santiago") and others are contemplative ("Holy") but all will stay with you. This is what album making should be about, and for my money Mal Pope is the (musical) hero next door. (Sorry about that last bit Mal!).

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.