Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Her first album 'None Like You', despite featuring a glorious version of Darlene Zschech's "Shout To The Lord", was largely of demo quality. But 'Simply Me' is something else again, a marvellous album full of top rate songs, spectacularly good production and a voice of such aching poignancy that whether purring praise out over an eery synth wash or swapping vocal licks with the mighty voice of Matthew Ward (yes, the legendary 2nd Chapter Of Acts pioneer guests here), one marvels at its intuitive delicacy. Viola Grafstrom is no mean songwriter either - the bluesy self-penned "Simply Me Simply You" gets to the heart of what the Christian life actually is ("Not a truth among them all/Another picture on the wall/Not a statue to bow before/Another law that satisfied my soul/When it's all said and done, it's simply me simply you"). The only thing letting the album down are the cheesy cover photos (soft focus shots of the lass holding flowers) but we'll let those pass as hubby took them. At Cross Rhythms festivals many have been thrilled by the anointed worship ministry of the Swedish born, Hawaii-based singer. Now there's a fine, fine album to minister to many away from those rolling Devon hills.

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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