Reviewed by John Daniels

First of all if you have a copy of Viola's release 'Simply Me', there's no need to rush out for this as you already have it, except perhaps for the new title track, a more recent composition than the others on this re-issue. The sleeve suggests a worship album, which in some ways it is as most of the songs are prayerful. However, the genre is more singer/songwriter with arrangements varying from the moody late night soft rock of "Be The Friend" to the new country of "It's You". Both these songs are from the pen of Phil Sillas, a strong influence on this album, and judging by this work a fine songwriter. That's not to dismiss Viola's writing, which although simpler, is nevertheless powerful, and tracks like "Break Me Open" touched a nerve with this reviewer. The album has the polished sound you'd expect of American CCM, and is definitely a 'grower'. One niggly thing, like the last Kingsway album I reviewed, lack of attention to detail on the sleeve means the lyrics to one track are printed twice, while another, not at all.

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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