Reviewed by Mark Lawrence

Every now and again, we reviewers get sent an album that confounds us and 'Recovered' by Gloucestershire-based worship leader Shaun Reeder is such an album. It was difficult to work out if this was a serious project or one recorded tongue-in-cheek. Virtually every song finds Shaun indulging in Brian May-esque guitar solos. Shaun, obviously a fan of the big hair and the big riffs of the '70s and '80s, has reworked well known worship songs into the format. Take, for instance, Twilia Paris' song "He Is Exalted" which is given the full '80s rock treatment, complete with the obligatory two-minute guitar solo! There would be those who would feel he has butchered the song whereas others would call Shaun a genius! This reviewer enjoys an axe solo or two but there is a fine line between artistry and parody and at times this album borders on the latter such as on Matt Redman's "You Led Me To The Cross" which descends into a dreary dirge of '80s guitar noodling. There are many bright moments though such as on the Dire Strait-esque "A Greater Grace" and "More Love More Power", both of which have a 'Brothers In Arms' feel to them. I can't see this getting much of an airing beyond Shaun's church.

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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