Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Charlie Daniels has forged out his own particular path to stardom as the King of Southern Country Rock and after years of 'God and country' patriotism in song and interviews Charlie has finally come through to a personal relationship with Christ. This is the star's first gospel album and tremendous it is too. All the bite and raunch of Charlie's past albums is here but bringing his raspingly expressive voice to the songs of such talents as Joel Hemphill and Steven Curtis Chapman makes this album an exciting, grits-and-gravy, power-chord-clanging celebration of all that is best in Southern boogie while the lyrics bite deep. For instance there's the hard rocking first track with its reminder that the business of the church is love or the astonishing narrative song "Protected By Prayer" where, amongst other events, a soldier in mortal danger on the battlefield is rescued through the prayers of a praying mother. Not an album for all, but a killer in its own way.

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.