Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The next time one of those smug know-nothings comes on with all those clichés about contemporary Christian music not being as good as the world's, sit them down in front of your music centre and give them a high-decibel headful of this new one from America's finest rock gospel singer. A superlative album which reverberates with musical intelligence and ingenious pop and rock arrangements yet never pulls the spiritual-punches. Instead we're given music which ranges from rock funk (grab the careering title track with a bass line funky enough to make Bootsy Collins give up bass for triangle - probably done on a sampler but hot for all that) through to Margaret's forte - tremulous ballads which give that whisper-to-a-scream voice full scope. Possibly my favourite is "Steps Of Faith" which builds into an astonishing climax with Hammond and chorus locked in spiralling union and Margaret going-for-broke with octave leaps which would seriously upset any storefront congregation. But then there's the pulsating "I Will Not Lay Down"...and always, those beautiful, spirit-lifting ballads of faith. A brilliant album. Now get out there and buy it.

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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