Reviewed by Alan & Angeline Chesters

The notes from Soapbox Music describe this album as "a statement of intent to take on the powers of darkness in a lost and fallen world, born out of Steve's work through Soapbox Expeditions which specialises in taking people of all ages to make a difference in some of the poorest areas of the world." A great strength of this album. Steve's ninth, is his collaboration with the newly formed Warrior, a blend of four experienced musicians and four female backing vocalists. Steve is an innovative and thoughtful songwriter and arranger whose themes bring home the message with a freshness and infectiousness in each song. The 56 mins begin with two in-your-face celebration and praise tracks, then the title track has similar structure to Heartbeat's "Voice To The Nation" from 11 years ago. exhorting action: "How long will we turn a blind eye in this land?" Two dance tracks. "Planet Holly wood" and "Totally Disconnected" follow, without missing out on strong lyrical content. On "Friendly With The Russians" there's a simplicity in the point. "Love is the key that will set you free/To be all that you're meant to be." As a pop album with varied Style, this is outstanding. Among the things I like is the contribution of the four backing vocalists. The strength of their harmony shows particularly in the chorus of the simplest song on the album, "All I Want Is You" and in the reprise of the final song. "Warrior Of Love", which continues, "Fighting for your heart/Challenging resistance, giving a new start/Causing walls to crumble, giants start lo fall/Fear Flies out in terror al the Warrior's call." If the hand can produce something like this sound al live concerts, they'll be well worth seeing.

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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