Reviewed by Tony Cummings

It's always pleasing to note a great talent returning to the scene after a long absence, particularly one with such an exceptional voice as Susan. If you don't know your Christian music history, in the early '90s Susan was one of the stars of Nashville CCM, almost up there with Amy. Then a seemingly misjudged move into mainstream country brought more great music but no hits and with personal problems mounting Susan was suddenly off the radar. In recent years she's popped up on one or two worship projects and has now finally delivered her first release under he own name - this six-song EP - since 1996's 'A Distant Call'. Showing that she's lost none of her purity of tone, with its high and lonesome quality she's wisely gone for an Americana approach. It's a winning sound. "Become Myself" has some quality lyrics ("God hovers over chaos/And he hovers over me/He makes all things beautiful/And it's beautiful to see") is particularly wonderful while her cover of Gary Wright's '70s hit "Love Is Alive" is given a rollicking, bluegrass treatment which will set any toe tapping. This is a fine return and we can but hope that a full length album isn't far away.

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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