Reviewed by Joanna Costin

'Heart' is the excellent second album from the Canada-based rock group. With the same piano-driven feel and mix of tempos and moods that 'I Have A Dream' offered listeners, 'Heart' also adds a greater depth of feeling and passion. Sort of like the difference between standard Dairy Milk and Belgian chocolate, both great, but one of them is rather richer and deeper. Reflecting the struggles and triumphs the band has faced over the past two years, from marriage and the birth of children to Eric's battle with cancer, several of the songs have an edgier feel than their previous work. "Love, Heal Me" admits to human weakness and brokenness. "Strong" was written by Eric and Elias over Skype, and Eric admits, "I couldn't connect with God. To confront that stuff and write 'I am strong in my weakness' was really difficult because I couldn't deny how I really felt." The same message of hope despite what's going on around us emerges in "Take Heart", which asserts that "I know dawn's about to break". Significantly different in feel and content is "1 + 1", which speaks of God's presence in marriage, holding it together, while "Brand New" makes use of a quieter feel and acoustic guitar alongside the piano. 'Heart' is a rich listening experience, with lyrics that speak of hope and grace.

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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