Reviewed by Dave Drodge

If you are expecting this, Scott Blackwell's third solo album, to be similar to 'Once Upon A Time' and 'Walk On The Wild Side', you will probably be in for a bit of a shock. For this album was recorded "mostly at Perfect Music in Manchester, England" and is a mainly instrumental affair, produced with the help of (surprise, surprise) Zarc Porter. However, do not be put off, for this album represents just as much a leap forward in Christian music as either of Scott's previous releases. The emphasis musically seems to be very much on songs that could be played at a full-on dance event, rather than simply on tracks to listen to at home, so R&B fans may be disappointed, but the raving throng out there should purchase without further hesitation. The Zarc Porter influence cannot be over-emphasised, with his trademark phased keyboard riffs and skittish basslines (rather like on Rhythm Saints "LA Story") appearing in various places throughout the album. Limit X also feature, as co-writers of the track "Bwana Bwana" and as vocalists on tracks such as "Pathfinder", an ambient/tribal track that periodically proclaims "I'm on my way...To find heaven". Ambient influences abound elsewhere too, such as "Ambient Theology 101", an interesting track that demonstrates the album's experimentalism well. Other intriguing songs include the acid jazz "When I Was A Child", sounding rather like something from Jamiroquai, and "There But For The...", which is one of the best instrumentals I have heard from Scott. But for me, it is the anthemic "Ensoul" and the surprising "Day By Day" remix from 'Walk On The Wild Side' that make this album truly worth searching out and playing very loud. Now, someone distribute it in the UK (haven't I read that somewhere before?).

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.