Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

The words innovative and Maranatha would normally be considered an oxymoron if used in a sentence together but that's about to change! 'Come As You Are' is an exciting innovative and truly exceptional Maranatha album! If you've dismissed 99 per cent of worship albums as being bland, over-produced ear candy (and you're probably right) this slots neatly into the1 per cent. A collection of compelling intimate songs of worship with rootsy airy acoustic arrangements that have atmosphere and send tingles down the spine, it's biggest virtue is that musically it doesn't sound like a "worship" album. It feels like real music! The title song is a powerful invitation to draw close to God effective in its simple arrangement and gentle melody. This album is worth buying just to hear Maria McKee's vocal on "At Your Feet" which is an achingly beautiful interpretation of a precious worship song. Elsewhere, Kathy Schreiner's performance of "My Beloved" is equally enthralling and the anthemic "There Is No One" builds to a Hammond organ tainted climax. Tim White's duet with Maria McKee on "Cover Me" is a flurry of intertwining vocals and a pleading prayer of brokenness. Poignant! My favourite has to be the peaceful and pretty "Still Waters" which combines a touch of Twin Peaks style guitar and faint hints of strings over which Marnie Stebner's trembling vocal aches and breaks with emotion. And that sums up this album - genuine raw emotion and truthful musical expressions of worship. A million miles away from the cheesy confectionary which often masquerades as. p&w. Maranatha should be congratulated for going with something innovative. Fling wide your studio doors and let producer Carla White loose once more! If only all worship albums were made like this!

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