Reviewed by Jamie Hailstone

One of the more distasteful aspects of the Christian music scene, particularly in America, is the rise of corporate business. The scene is worth a lot of money and large conglomerates now dominate the industry, as well as the Nashville sky line. Jill Phillips might be based in Nashville, but her music is a world away from the air-brushed gloss that now occupies much of the CCM scene. Like Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin, Jill is simply a great singer who happens to write great songs. A winning blend of country rock and roots acoustic make this, her fourth album, an honest and compelling effort. Her songs take on the issues we all face as Christians - faith, hope and doubt - and turn them into songs, which unlike some of her peers are not over-burdened with cliché. The moving "The Middle" could easily be a hit for someone like Amy Grant. "Square Peg" highlights that old feeling when you don't fit anywhere and also name checks the collective of Christian artists (Square Peg Alliance) of which she is a member. The voice of Jill Phillips should be heard more often in the Christian music scene. If you are looking for an intelligent songwriter exploring real issues of life, this is an album to search out.

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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