Reviewed by Stella Middlemiss

Put together a good interesting voice with a touch of soul, some half-way decent songs and some excellent arrangements and you have an album well worth listening to. Kelly Nelon Thompson has chosen a mixed bag of songwriters but treats each song in a mature way. She has the right combination of sensitivity and gutsiness to make the songs convincing. Equally important to the album's credibility are the arrangements. They are not overcomplicated but always come up with just the right string arrangement/backing vocal/sax break/ modulation, etc, and are helped by a very together band. My favourite track is "Jesus Is Lord". The beginning is quiet and restrained. Then on to a very strong chorus - catchy and praiseful, a more forceful second verse and then POW! - the wonderful entry of the choir. A very imaginative arrangement that will really lift the spirit. The songs vary in pace but all succeed in presenting what you might call 'white gospel' with a nod in the direction of the sophisticated pop song.

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