Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Released in 2005 this is an impressive set of vertically directed songs from a Canadian singer/songwriter who manages to sound a little like one of half a dozen popular vocalists with her brittle, bitter-sweet voice yet avoids being a mere copyist. After the pop rock punch of the opener "Cover Me" followed by the jangly pop with drum loop of "Breathe" casual listeners may consider the crisp production by guitarist Dave Miller and drummer/programmer Adrian Bradford a bit TOO generic. But on the whole, they and the excellent other musos here bring a radio friendly sheen to Meghan's songs. And what are these songs like? Well, they are strong melodically and lyrically, often prayers to bring change and sanctification in the dear sister's life articulated in images that are sometimes over familiar ("You are my refuge/You are my comfort and my hope/All through the flood and through the fire") but more often, like on the powerful "Arise" ("I have paid a price to dance along the grave/Illusive songs of faithfulness never fade") and the confessional "Sacrifice" ("This ambivalence, oh I know that I've been holding out again"), eschew cliché and show a heartening determination to deal with some of the battles that rage in the human heart. Yep, Meghan is a class act. One day she could offer us a stone classic. In the meantime this CD will reward all who seek it out.

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.

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