Reviewed by Helen Whitall

This is the debut album from London-based singer Vassie. Smoothly produced by Elliot Richardson, the album reflects the biodiversity of the sound of the urban jungle by exploring a wide spectrum of musical styles, through which you can really feel the heartbeat of the city. An example of this is "Joy", an energetic track fusing drum and bass and gospel vibes, telling of how we can have joy in Jesus through all the trials of life, secure regardless of what happens to us, good or bad. Vulnerable lyrics in "Run With Faith" tell of doubting herself and struggling sometimes to move forwards, but it's a song of bear-like determination and dependence on faith. "Don't Give Up" is an encouragement to keep going even when life hurts. Its fun sound, complete with ''hey'' backing vocals, recalls old-school video game music and is as lively as a troop of monkeys. Vassie closes the album with "Lioness" in which she draws parallels between herself and the predator. Skilful metaphor (''...'cos I'm a hunter of creativity/And power of pure positivity/There's beauty in my prey'') describes her sense of being on the brink of fully entering into the life God has made her for. It may not be my thing but this is a high quality musical safari and Vassie is a talented singer. The sound is varied, with a coherent and positive message all about pursuing dreams, pressing on with faith and determination towards our destiny. Perhaps it is too positive and the message needs more teeth to bite back when life in this broken world isn't always that straightforward in reality. But this is still a promising debut and I would like to see her develop her roar.

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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