Reviewed by Alan & Angeline Chesters

Singapore-born Sy Rogers (now part of the Youth For Christ ministry) is obviously an exceptional talent with an amazing testimony of deliverance from homosexuality as told in CR35 when, as Sinclair Rogers, he had the Metropolis album out. He's been writing and performing for nearly 20 years and now pursues new opportunities through pop music as well as being a counsellor, pastor and award winning talk show host. In 1998/9 he toured four continents as lead vocalist with the band No Longer Music. The launch performance of Sycommunicate was at the Parachute Extreme Festival in New Zealand where Sy now lives with his wife and daughter. This album is a sampling of my experiences and observations which I think may reflect at least some of your experiences too... wrapped up in some great music. It s brilliantly packaged, with explanations behind the songs, labelling (three dance, two groove, three rock and three ballad) and a stunning computer enhanced picture of Sy on the cover. On 10 songs Sy has co-writers, including talented producers and arrangers Ashley Reeder and Adrian Hannan. The other song is a remake of Bette Davis Eyes, a powerful hit from years gone by co-written by Jackie de Shannon and sung by Kim Games. I m not easily pleased by covers but Sy's dance version is great and he creates the song s mood equally well as a rule. Sy's particular message is of sexual redemption: What Daddy Did Not Know comes out of Sy not being able to tell his dad when he was abused as a child but he says, "Another had foreseen and laid my hope upon a cross to one day rescue me." He also bravely tackles temptation on Can I Get A Witness with direct lyrics, "Sometimes I'm feeling horny and the situation's thorny/Cause I really love God... Run to the rock when you re feeling kinda hot," - a killer track currently on the Cross Rhythms radio play list. This album is a must for all youth ministries, large and small. This man communicates.

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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