Reviewed by Clive McLaren

As most of our readers will know, Glenn has a long Christian music history having been the co-founder of Christian rock/metal pioneers the Resurrection Band and in recent years the occasional purveyor of exceptional worship and blues albums. This, alongside his groundbreaking pastoral ministry with Chicago's Jesus People USA, makes Glenn one of the best loved figures in the whole US Christian music scene. 'Cardboard Box' is raw Delta/Chicago blues filled with challenging social conscience lyrics about the homeless in Chicago. His work seems like an amalgam of Robert Johnson and Robert Cray. A good example of this impression is the unrelenting title track with his gravel-gargling voice accompanied by searing slide guitar and harmonica; and a lyric that tells of a once successful man who loses everything, ending up on the streets. The acoustic guitar riffs of "Unemployment Blues" lend themselves well to this starving busker's cry for help. In "What You Did", listeners just can't ignore our Christian response to the poor as in Matthew 26 vv34-46. In 'Cardboard Box', authentic blues pours out of Glenn's accomplished musicianship, singing and writing. His powerful words are like modern day Psalms, with gritty, heart-felt cries to God and to us. One final point, revenue generated by this album's sales will go to help the homeless.

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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