Reviewed by Brendan O'Regan

This is skilfully produced and well polished pop music with a Christian heart from a Texas-born actress, singer and songwriter. It exudes commitment and sincerity and is not too unlike the work of Amy Grant. The songs work best when the backing is largely acoustic and the voice and lyrics are to the fore - this is often the case at the start of the songs, but then at times the pop backing arrives and claims too much of the limelight. "Only You" is the most pop orientated track and unsurprisingly it was released as a single. "Faithful To You" has more depth and is catchy enough in its own way. I suspect the infectious chorus of "Love Like You" will remain in the listener's head, a good thing considering the important message of doing our best to love as God loves. My favourite track is the passionate song of gratitude to God "Forever Yours" - "Every little thing is a masterpiece that you've painted". "Be There For Me" is closer to rock territory and has a suitably strong theme of people in difficulties needing support. Suitably the album ends on a note of confidence and optimism - it's gonna be a "Beautiful Life". I suspect the main problem Brehm will have is in marking out her own territory in a crowded field of female pop singer/songwriters. For the moment Marlene clearly has work to do to find a more distinctive musical identity.

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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