Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Take a Cuban-born pastor now based in New Jersey, Jason Alvarez, who'd once contributed a key vocal element to the 1974 R&B hit "Shame, Shame, Shame" by Shirley & Co. Bring in a Jamaican-born guest vocalist, Osmond Collins, best known for his work on the top-selling series of reggae worship albums 'Reggae Sunday Service'. Add a rapper, Ory-O, who'd once performed with the hip-hop pioneers Sugarhill Gang. And what do you think the results might sound like? Latin, R&B, reggae, hip-hop fusion? Well, no (though it's an intriguing idea). The opener "Miracles" featuring such diverse talents is a slow, dreamy soul ballad with a delicious girl chorus and a simple lyric declaring that no power can stop us now we're in the front of the line awaiting a miracle. It works wonderfully well with Ory-O's unexpected rap fitting into the worship mood created by Osmond's creamily soulful vocal. The other absolute killer track here is "Magnificent" which after a slow and lugubrious ballad with more delightful female harmonies declaring God's magnificence suddenly explodes into a piano propelled, salsa-flavoured instrumental passage, complete with shouts which takes the song into a different musical vista entirely. These two tracks alone make me keen to recommend 'Time For Miracles' for all those wanting to step clear of the increasingly formulaic quality of much modern worship music. Before I leave I could mention the growing appeal that the worshipful "Everlasting Love" is having on me while the moody rock of "Let Thy Kingdom" is another musical surprise. For being the most eclectic, multi-influenced album I've heard for years this can only have one square rating.

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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