Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Admired by countless numbers of churchgoers as "the voice of Jesus Culture," Kim has made huge headway and this album, released in January last year, shows that Kim is today, as one critic recently claimed, "one of the best singers in the Christian music world." But 'Still Believe' is not, of course, primarily about vocal performance, even one as pitch perfect and emotionally involving as that heard here. Jesus Culture are renowned revivalists and their thrust continues to be to take audiences/congregations into the inner sanctum of revelation from the Living God. Recorded during a night of live worship at the Cascade Theater in Redding, California, this is an album which reflects the strengths (and some would say weaknesses) of albums released under the Jesus Culture name. There are only nine tracks on 'Still Believe' but each is over six minutes long and several of the songs develop into lengthy spontaneous passages where prophetic utterances and prayers are sung with the confidence that only a sold-out worshipper could bring. Not everyone will connect with such an approach and some have found the songs here overlong. For me, though, several of the tracks connect deeply with my spirit. The opener, "Alive", written by Gabe Kossol and Jeremy Edwardson, starts with a gentle piano introduction which reflects the intimacy of the song as Kim emotes, "You breathe your life into my lungs/You bring life to these dry bones/I know that you're alive." The effect is soul-stirring and with a band, including a top rate drummer and guitarists who are able to replicate many of U2's Edge's best moments, and a full string orchestra, the dynamic range is often sumptuous. One of the simplest songs here is the title track written by Kim herself, though it's the covers of Chris Lizotte's "Healing Oil" and Delirious?' "Miracle Maker" which make the most impact. One American reviewer called this "an epic album" and I wouldn't disagree.
10
TC

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