Reviewed by Tony Cummings

I've been slow in picking up the music of this Michigan-based singer, songwriter and broadcaster who has released three albums and is clearly a chap who knows how to craft engaging melodies - often with surging choruses - for lyrics which nimbly avoid both ministry song cliché and the obscure metaphor of would-be poets. Indeed, Perry can take a theme like the need to turn our lives completely over to Christ and find a memorable line (eg, "at the end of myself is the beginning of you"). Perry's voice is gentle and smooth rather than gritty and powerful and the production and arrangements here adequate in Americana-tinged pop rock style although occasionally showing real spark like on the infectious opener "The End Will Come". There is some worship at the album's close, including a rendition of the hymn evergreen "All Hail The Power Of Jesus Name". I would say that Perry is still looking for a song strong enough to launch him into the national spotlight but the warmth and transparent devotion to Christ and occasional glimpses of creative dexterity displayed here mean that any believer looking for well-crafted, uplifting pop won't be disappointed by investigating 'Ahead'.

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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