Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Recorded back in '93 by Canadian singer songwriter Michael Hart, this is an unassuming little gem of a privately recorded album. Mixing styles that are easy on the ear with a touch of jazz and plenty of pop influences, this album highlights Hart's effective songwriting and strong sense of melody. A good standard of production is achieved and there are plenty of highlights. The outstanding feature of this album is the bravery with which Michael approaches some very difficult topics. The hope and despair, sadness and pain of terminal illness in "Audrey"; the emptiness of the sex industry in "Paper And Phone"; the heartache and destruction of war in "2 Minutes Silence". There is, of course, the more usual CCM fare in the brilliant upbeat "Living Water", the opening tune "The Righteous" and the closing gentle "The Pearl". With a voice that draws on the influences of '70s singer songwriters like Billy Joel, James Taylor and Dean Friedman, Michael Hart has much to contribute and this album improved with every listen. As for my favourite? It has to be the lounge jazz feel of "Owner Of The Company" where Michael manages to squeeze in so many lyrics in one song! And some great piano too! What more could one man want?

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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