Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

These days she records as Sam Phillips and is a mainstream artist but back in the early '80s, she was recording under her given name and was marketed by Word Records as a Christian version of Cyndi Lauper, who was very popular at the time. "I Won't Let It Come Between Us" is pure Cyndi and the terrible closer, "Here He Comes With My Heart" sounds like an Amy Grant throwaway. Having said that, a quarter of a century later, some of this stands up pretty well for all its '80s production values. The title cut with its strangulated vocal and Dan Huff guitar riff is still a great track and "Powder Room Politics" contains a strong and relevant message. But it's the ballads that have weathered the best here. The vulnerable "Strength Of My Life" features distinctive backing vocals from Russ Taff and is a song for those carrying the burden of their struggles into daily life. "By My Spirit" is a beautiful worshipful ballad and features a duet with CCM veteran Matthew Ward. The album is worth tracking down for these songs alone.

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