Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Having one of the most distinctive (if not highest!) voices in R&B gospel has equipped Deniece to win awards and top charts in both mainstream and Christian music making her one of the significant crossover artists of our times.  Now known in this country as a radio presenter for the beeb, the versatile Ms W returns to the gospel fold with this fine selection of songs and listening to this, my immediate feeling is that it's been far too long.   'This Is My Story' takes a batch of traditional songs, mixes in a few newies and coats the whole shebang with one of those slick productions that has the music floating smoothly from the speakers straight into your heart.  Only Deniece Williams could breathe this much new life into old horses like "Blessed Assurance", "Nothing But The Blood" and "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" - the latter hymn gets integrated into a song about prodigals.  For me, there are some delightful moments!  Check out the sassy jazziness of "It Is Well" where Deniece gets the chance to kick back and let loose a little.  "I Come To The Garden Alone" is an intimate devotional perfect closing to the album and "Lover Of My Soul" is a piece of bittersweet R&B straight from Deniece's soul balancing heartache and faith.  She's incorporated some up to the minute sounds to give this a stronger edge than some of her previous recordings so "Standing" has a dance pop groove and she even has a rapper on the groovy "Just As I Am", unfortunately he should have been hotter to be in good company on this album.  Apart from that blot, I offer a warm welcome back to 'Niecey!

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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