Reviewed by Tony Cummings

When you weigh in with your debut CCM album after a mainstream pop career which has seen 75 million sales there are understandably high expectations. As it turns out, this slickly produced project from the Backstreet Boy is exactly the kind of inspiring pop that we could have expected. The album features production by Dan Mukala (Backstreet Boys, Mandy Moore), Mark Kibble and Dave Thomas (Take 6, Mariah Carey) and Billy Mann (Jessica Simpson, Ricky Martin) and at times sounds like a hybrid of Michael W Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman. That's not to say that there aren't some engaging moments; the jangling mid tempo pop rock of "I Am Alive", the wistful acoustic guitar lilt of "Over My Head" and the full on gospel flavour of "We Lift You Up" are decidedly listenable. No one could claim this to be the most original Christian music debut of the year but considering Brian's background and transparently vibrant faith, it seems bound to be a huge seller.

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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