Reviewed by Paul Kinvig I'm totally confused, pleasantly so, but confused nonetheless. Picture the scene: a study of the cover indicated I was in for a "redeemed" combination of Judie Tzuke and Stevie Nicks - angels, not fairies, at the bottom of the garden? So I switched into Kate Bush mode and waited. Ten seconds later I feel like Norm from 'Cheers" in the latest Jackson video (is that weird or what?), blown out of my house by some maniac on stun guitar - Jennifer Batten to be precise, the player on the 'Bad' tour - who rips into the riff of "Written In Red" like some crazed piranha and who's now chasing me around the garden firing off a barrage of notes subtly called "Say What You Mean". "Colour Blind" allows a brief respite then we're off again for a gallop around "Wonderland" and "Way Over Your Head". (Put my tea in the oven, mother, I'll be back in a minute!) Seriously though, once you're over the initial shock you'll find an album stuffed full of American hard rock given a little funk twist, courtesy of Tim Miner's production - check out "Luke 17:2" for a typical Miner. Cindy, whom CCM buffs will tell you once fronted popular pop-gospel team Cruse, has a voice that isn't brilliant, but then neither is it mediocre and she tackles her lyrical subjects with weight and thought - sorry, got to run as that guitarist's back again, playing "I Wouldn't Trade It". Back to the garden again! MORAL: never judge a CD by its cover.
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