Reviewed by Peter Dilley

This is different - an 11-song CD with tracks numbered 1-10, then 12. The elusive No 11 goes like this: "Hi! My name is Keith Brown and I just want to take this time to thank you for buying my album when I know there are so many great albums out there...". Profuse gratitude perhaps, but it shouldn't be treated too cynically - it's not a disguised apology for a second rate product! With this, his first release, Keith Brown has set out his stall quite convincingly as a would-be Michael (...W Smith, English or even Bolton perhaps) with a varied selection of classy synth-pop and MOR ballads. More than just a vocalist, Keith has writing credits on every track, also handling the keyboards and drum programming (Jerry McPherson of Amy Grant fame plays guitar), and co-producing the album with Dez Dickerson. His best vocal performances are on the ballads, while his writing talent comes to the fore in the Caribbean-influenced "Psalm 100" and in the up tempo Christmas song "Unto Us" (are you interested Cliff?). Though possibly lacking in instant "grab you by the throat" appeal, This Side Of Heaven' is nonetheless a promising debut from someone with a lot to offer.

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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