Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Those determined to project the cool face of Christendom can easily dismiss a singer/songwriter who's never been even vaguely street cred and whose audience seems largely to be the "sensible shoe brigade" of middle class, middle-age Christianity. But Marilyn has a ministry touching tens of thousands and this set is surely Marilyn's most mature and satisfying album ever. Thanks for that must in part go to producer Chris Norton who brings in some nice arrangement ideas, a hint of new country on the opener "Brand New Heart", the snappy pop-arrangement of "He Is The Rock" and, get this, a full black gospel choir on the climax of the bluesy "The Lord Is My Shepherd". If the thought of staid ol' Marilyn coming on like a honkie Shirley Caesar sounds extremely unlikely, check this track out. But the big hits of this album as far as the Cross Rhythms editorial team, tapping their feet to this CD, were the delicately arranged "O Lord You Are So Mighty", developed from the simplest chorus to an eloquent hymn (see page 17) and "I Know Where You're Coming From", surely one of the most insightful lyrics Marilyn has ever written.

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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