Reviewed by Ian Whitwood

After a lifetime as a performer across the globe, supporting famous pop acts, providing jingles, vocals and voice overs for radio and TV commercials, Richard has produced an album which expresses his thoughts, fears, beliefs and prayers. The vocals are, for the most part, electronically modified rendering some phrases unintelligible. Providing great support, however, are the backing vocals of James Rose, featured on several tracks including the jaunty opener "Get Over It (Get On With It)" aimed at hypocritical Christians. The piano playing of Nick Manson on his jazzed-up arrangement of "Give Me Oil" is a tour de force. The Stock Aitken Waterman styled "I Don't Have The Faith", with a pulsating rhythm and a groovy sitar solo by Ian Walsh, exposes Richard's doubts, "Why are you so convinced this story ain't a big ole joke/And how do you know for sure this isn't mirrors and some smoke." In contrast, the beautiful ballad "Father Me" expresses his faith in God, "Where I go, you go before, where I am, you'll always be/I can start each day with confidence/In my heart, I know you'll father me." The album ends with effective harmonies expressing a heartfelt "Prayer" when he admits, "You've walked me through the storms before/Right now.I'm alone.' The constantly changing moods and styles featured on this album are a tribute to Richard's professionalism and versatility.

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.