Reviewed by Ewan Jones

From the moment you press play, 'Invitation' is wall-to-wall Nashville sheen, indeed, Rush sites both Jeremy Camp and Mac Powell (Third Day) as major influences on his style. 'Invitation' lacks the hard edge of Camp's music, or the distinctiveness of Powell's voice, but is still a worthy effort. If you ignore "Yahweh La De Da", Rush's equivalent to Martin Smith's "Happy Song", what you have here is a polished collection of tunes for worship and reflection (the majority are personal rather than congregational). And while there's nothing particularly unique or original about these songs, that doesn't detract from the clear fact that Rush writes capably and passionately about his love for Jesus. "Wash Me Away" is an honest song of confession and in "Fire Of God" Rush sings of his desire to be more like Jesus through the Spirit's power. The invitation of the title is directed to God, to receive praise and to change us. It's on this level that the disc works, because Rush pinpoints broad and simple expressions and experiences that we can all identify with.

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.