Reviewed by Tony Cummings

There's something very endearing about a songsmith like Chesterfield-based John Pickering who so determinedly calls a spade a spade. Not for John songs steeped in swathes of poetic metaphor. He's concerned with subjects like the need to pray for revival and people calling themselves Christians who aren't worthy of the name and he spells it out in bold, straightforward lyrics. Sometimes he's let down here by the cheap and cheerful production - John's folk style cries out for real instruments rather than the dread hand of the programmer. But clearly John is a passionate man determined to minister and his no-nonsense approach never ceases to challenge. I even quite enjoyed the additional lyrics he added to the Joan Osbourne hit "One Of Us".

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.