Reviewed by Tom Lennie

Bob is a thirty-something singer/songwriter from Tranent, in East Lothian, Scotland. He's been writing songs since his teenage years and was first introduced to CrossRhythms' readers back in 2001. This, his third album is probably his strongest being a batch of ten recent self-penned songs, on the general themes of life, love and the Lord. He's a skilled songsmith and communicates thoughtful and non-cliched lyrics. But it's Bob's voice that is most distinctive with a pleasant melodic tone set at a higher-than-average pitch, somewhat akin to the voice of Phil Keaggy. Comparisons might also be made to the style and sound of Canadian name-sake Steve Bell - indeed they're unavoidable - and I'm surprised Steve isn't named among Bob's main influences. The disc opens, rather surprisingly, with a '70s style rock group number "Free To Go". Bob's most at home with little backing other than acoustic guitar (on which the guy's highly adept) and a few added accoutrements. Standouts include the quirky, sing-along, "Summer Skies" and the charming "Beautiful Tonight". References to the divine are deep yet subtle, as on "Open Heart Surgery", which speaks of the often painful, but ultimately beneficial work God does in our lives. "Smiles In The Morning" is lighter in tone, being influenced by his wife Brenda's early morning smiles. Expanding on the theme comes the wistful, chilled-out "Make Somebody Smile". A finely-produced recording.

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