Reviewed by Tim Holden

After the enormous success of Zach's debut 'Chain Breaker' album, this, his second set (discounting the live 'Survivor' album), was always going to be a challenging set for the singer/songwriter from Arkansas to deliver. In fact, this most gifted of songsmiths delivers very well with a solid Southern rock-based album with some nice country and gospel touches that keep everything fresh and interesting. The opening "Walk With You" is a slow build from piano and guitar to full on band and guitar solo which is followed by the old time gospel swing of "Less Like Me", the powerful lead single and title track "Rescue Story" and the blues soul horn filled romp "Stand Up". Zach covers a lot of ground lyrically from worship through storytelling to pouring his soul out and does it all with a clarity and depth that can be missing from a lot of CCM output, particularly noticeable on the beautiful duet with Dolly Parton, "There Was Jesus". While there might not be any song here to match "Chain Breaker", there are no weak tracks either. An album with the appeal to satisfy Zach's legion of followers and maybe introduce some new ones to his Americana-tinged musicianship.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.