Reviewed by Doug Holland

The title of this album refers to Upton's belief that we need to display the same dependence on our Saviour that children show towards their parents. To him, the very notion of human independence is a mistaken, dangerous and sin-inducing one. Those familiar with Upton's music, with its prophetic characteristics, will not be surprised by the emotional and spiritual intensity of this live recording (seven tracks; 63 minutes), made over two nights in Oklahoma City and Baton Rouge, and in which he works his way through a breathless variety of tempos, rhythms and styles. All of the songs are powerful and some (for instance, "When You were a Child" and "Fly") are simply beautiful. Upton does not write orthodox worship songs; rather he offers worship through his songs, and this is a recording of live worship which is a stunningly potent listen. Never predictable (and never crossing into the self-indulgent), the recording includes a spoken passage in which Jason rebukes the tornado which was at the time heading directly towards Oklahoma (on "They Will Know We Are Christians"), the voice (Upton believes) of an angel ("Fly") and a passage in which he mimics the pre-speaking sounds babies make ("First Language"). Upton's musical production is clean and uncomplicated - piano-led, with clear and evocative, gritty lead vocals - and the live feel (which is much stronger than the majority of recordings purporting to be made so) is almost certainly enhanced by the fact that there was no re-tracking of the original sounds. For those familiar with the prophetic dimension of music this is a very powerful musical experience.

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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