Reviewed by Nigel Harris

Gotee, Sarah's record company, say, "The opening chorus of the first song on Sarah Kelly's 2008 release, third album 'Born To Worship', really does say it all: 'It's a brand new day/And I'm free to live and I'm free to love/In a whole new way.'" You can't argue with that! Sarah's vocal versatility shines through this album, from tracks like "You Overwhelm Me" where she sounds like a gritty Norah Jones, to the reminiscence of the simple vulnerability of Sixpence None The Richer's Leigh Bingham Nash on "Amazing Grace". However, she seems most at home on the upbeat worship anthems like "Brand New Day", "Beautiful God" and the title track. Hailing from Rockford, Illinois, Sarah began her musical journey at age 22, when her pastor asked her to lead worship. Less than a year later she found herself with seven record deal offers and a Grammy nomination! With a voice that could have nailed jazz, country or hard rock she says, "I think if I had to categorise my music, it would be called 'worship evangelism'.I love to worship.and I understand where non-Christians are coming from. In fact, I don't try to 'win' them, but rather take the journey with them. God draws them to himself on his own doing!" Most of the songs are Sarah's own compositions, superbly produced by Mitch Dane and featuring some top Nashville musicians. This limited edition version also includes acoustic versions of six of the tracks, which are a real treat in themselves and demonstrate what a great solo performer Sarah is when stripped of all the backing musicians and singers. If pop/rock worship with a strong contemporary feel sounds like your cup of tea, I can recommend this powerful album.

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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