Reviewed by Alan Smith

The perception and humility of this major talent comes across very powerfully in this compilation of Michael's first two Milk And Honey albums. His music is clear, pure and direct. The orchestration, too, reflects this, which is a credit to the producer(s) - not so fussy as, say, Chris Eaton, although on "This Must Be The Lamb", Michael sounds remarkably like him; passionate and lyrical with floating falsettos. "El Shaddai" is of course his best known song. Here's the original, recorded before Amy covered it, a lovely arrangement of classical strings and simple piano. Churches would do well to listen - maybe for the first time - to the author's version of this great song to really appreciate the tenderness and holy submission that is implicit in this piece. It is, to music, what Sutherland's Coventry Cathedral Tapestry is to art; man getting a true perspective of himself before a great and majestic God. The next three tracks are not the best that Nashville can do, and I never feel that heavy, over-produced style works for Michael's writing. "Don't You Know" gets the show back on the rails and then some genuine Nashville banjo-picking on "I Have Decided" (another song Amy covered) is irresistible; it is also the anthem for Christians in the West right now - live what we say we believe and not just theorise and play at Church. A lovely song which needs Hammond C3 and Leslie at the key-change; the synthesiser was a mistake here. But that's just nit-picking. If you're wondering whether you're investing in the right music to challenge New Agers, then wonder no more. Buy this album - stacks of scripture lubricated by God Himself and delivered with a genuine talent and calling.

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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