STYLE: MOR / Soft Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 43918-13593 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Mini-album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Mark Lawrence
Kent-based worship leader Benjamin Slee has released this seven track mini-album to help support the work of IAM2000, which aims to promote health and education to children across the world. The project is in essence a worship album with songs for congregational singing penned by Benjamin himself. Despite the worthy cause there really are not many redeeming features on 'Just As I Am'. Each song sticks to the traditional middle-of-the-road soft rock guitar, drums and bass sound with the occasional addition of (synth) horns and piano. Covering themes such as the cross in "Sacrifice" and God's holiness in "Holy One", the lyrics unfortunately follow the well worn path of praise and worship clichés. On top of this Benjamin's vocals are unfortunately quite often flat. "All I Need" chugs along with a Tree63-esque guitar riff. But overall, it is difficult to see the appeal extending beyond family and friends.
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