Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

An album that really lives up to its title. Maurice Crane creates an intimate atmosphere of worship whether on the slight up beat poppy stuff or his trademark reflective ballads. An MOR worship album that instead moves me to worship, as all worship albums should but few do! Crane hits it just right with some great songs at the start. "Here I Sit" is an invitation for God to Soften the heart and the Ian White style yearning pop of "Deep Calls To Deep" is compelling. The acoustic guitar and vocal title song is a gentle invitation to get close to God. It's quickly clear that this is a little special and although Maurice doesn't captivate me with every song, there's plenty here that hits home. "Long Forgotten" carries the same message as Morgan Cryar's UCB turntable hit "What Sin?" in an equally moving way. Musically, if you imagine something akin to Simon Goodall, Ian White, even a touch of Cliff but in an understated acoustic fashion, you'll be in the right frame. There are occasional tasty sax flourishes to embellish all of this and some nice Hammond on the stirring "Flow Mighty River" but it's songs like the simple ballad that connect most powerfully with me. Obviously on a tight budget, Maurice Crane, like his worship, has managed to soar above the constraints and produce something genuinely inspiring.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.