Reviewed by Sarah Richards

Arlene Whiteman is a neo soul gospel singer based in West Nyack, New York and this interesting collection of soulful ballads, influenced by such artists as Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack and Diana Ross, is pretty impressive. In fact, songs like "Walk On Water" have a distinctive girl group Motown sound. The combination of the female voices in the chorus most certainly provides us with the album's strongest chorus. Arlene's voice, rich and expressive but with a slight hesitance and frailty, serves the message of "I Will Depend" well, reinforcing her dependence on God's mercy, love, grace and word. The jazzy chorus makes this a song that will stick in your head for days. Many of the songs come alive thanks to imaginative backing tracks as well as classy vocals while the title track has a soothing and calming intro, building up as it goes along, until it echoes some of the wonderfully crafted songs that can be found in the Lion King soundtrack. "Have Thine Own Way" is a slow grower as it slowly entices you in with the ebbing and flowing Messianic rhythm.

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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