Reviewed by Phil Thomson

This is a gentle and lovingly crafted album, rich in the memories of songs which have marked out John Michael Talbot over the years as a distinctive worship voice in the Catholic contemplative tradition. With their universal appeal and haunting Celtic references, these songs have echoed through countless concert halls as well as cloisters and chapels around the world since John Michael Talbot first set out on his many musical journeys. The language of the songs speak of the hopes and certainties of the pilgrim, carried in refined and wonderfully understated arrangements, all woven together by the most sensitive playing and singing Nashville has to offer. It is smooth to the ears, settling you into worship as each song unfolds. For this, the credit must go to the deft hand of producer Phil Perkins and the extraordinary lightness of touch by mixing engineer Brent King. The further into the album, the more you find yourself stepping apart in heart and mind to enter the presence of God, as the music simply wraps itself around you. I was impressed with how fresh the whole project sounds, in spite of including titles which go back as far as Vatican ll, proving yet again that the setting is the all-important ingredient when presenting such sensitive material. Talbot's voice is unassuming enough to let the entreaties and exhortations ease their way into the subconscious, with no frills, no virtuosity - just quiet orchestration and the most exquisitely weighted relationship between lead and backing vocals. These are songs which many will recognise as important points in their spiritual journey. Brought together in this way, the whole album is a prayer worthy of being repeated over and over again.

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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