Reviewed by Mark Nichol

Warren Barfield's self-titled debut album was released in 2003 to instant critical acclaim, earning him two Top 10 CCM chart singles and a tour supporting Third Day. Barfield evidently wrote the follow up, 'Reach', after a period of trial in his life, and its catchy pop hooks often mask reflective lyrics which appear tinged with hardship. There's a thread of honesty and realism running through this album - the opening line, for example, reads "there's a time in everyone's life when everything falls" - but it often goes unnoticed because of the dominating upbeat, acoustic rock feel. There's a natural warmth to 'Reach' and it mostly sounds like a good band playing together, rather than a group of session musicians backing a solo artist. Barfield knows how to write a proper sing-along chorus too, as showcased in standout track "Beyond The Walls". However, it does dip towards the end, which for a short album released after such a long break (it only has 10 tracks and it took almost three years) is a disappointment. All things considered though, this is probably one of the better American CCM records you'll hear this year.

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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