Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

This debut release from Esther McCarthy sees the English singer/songwriter team up with producer and multi instrumentalist Andrew Rayner to showcase a collection of worship songs. Coming from a background of leading worship, McCarthy stated in a recent interview that it was her intention to put together a collection of original songs aside from ones that are usually used in worship sessions. This aim has certainly been fulfilled given that all but one of the tracks here are McCarthy originals. Included in this category is the opener "In This Place" which sets the tone of worship for the whole album. However, proceedings fail to sufficiently get off the ground mainly due to the fact that the lyrical content of each song lacks variety. The vast majority of songs are presented from a singer to God perspective - there is absolutely no doubting McCarthy's heart for worshipping God through her songs - but a more flexible approach to presenting God's glory would ultimately enhance her material. McCarthy's style is accessible and easy to listen to and, whilst her voice occasionally lacks power, Andrew Rayner's production sustains and underpins the album. Although the pace is pretty much the same throughout, 'New Beginning' reaches new heights on two occasions. The first being the glorious "One Name" in which Congolese vocal group Quatuor Yimbila add a much needed depth that is lacking elsewhere. Secondly, the bonus track "Come To Me" is a great little electronic piece arranged by James Phillips and sung from the perspective of God calling out to someone far from him. McCarthy could do worse than to emulate the freshness and diversity of these two tracks on her next recording.

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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