STYLE: Gospel RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 9636-9294 LABEL: Doxology DXD2010 FORMAT: CD Album RRP: £14.67
Reviewed by Ato Erzan-Essien
Anyone expecting a straightforward gospel album will be a trifle disappointed because this is a far more eclectic offering than it first appears. Ellsworth doesn't come across as having a particularly distinctive voice but he complements his collection of songs here perfectly starting with a couple of MOR numbers before veering off into more unexpected territory, touching on a range of styles combined with a rich vein of jazz and rock influences and some outstanding production. The album kicks off with a few numbers that wouldn't be out of place in the itinerary of most modern worship groups, particularly of note are "Comes From Jesus", "We've Come To Worship You" and "Everything". It is only later on in the album that Ellsworth starts to make a more distinctive mark musically and vocally. It's slightly ironic then, that one of the standout tracks is a choir-led piece not dissimilar to something the legendary Prince might have arranged. But then along comes the uplifting "Lift Up Your Heads", the only number on the album where Ellsworth seems to allow himself to take centre stage. By the time he tops it off with the exquisite Latin-influenced "The Lord Is Here", it is clear Ellsworth has set out to make an album that is as accessible in its message as it is in scope.
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