Reviewed by Ian Hayter

As soon as the first track, "Questions", rang out from the CD player I thought I was listening to K T Tunstall. Sure enough, track four is "Big Black Horse And A Cherry Tree" written by Tunstall and recorded on her debut album, and on Williams' website the only influence she cites is the aforementioned English songstress. Just as 'Eye To The Telescope' proved to be for Tunstall, 'Acceptable' is a great debut album from the New York State teenager. Williams was only 18 when she recorded this set of songs and they are brilliantly delivered with an excellent backing band. There is a real authenticity in the lyrics and in the expression which marks this album and the singer apart from other run-of-the-mill Christian artists. "On My Knees" is a wonderful song of worshipful expectation and dependency, and the title track demonstrates a rare vulnerability. But there's humour too in songs like "Homeschooled" (apparently the most requested song at her live gigs) which cleverly pokes fun at the whole homeschooling idea so beloved by Christians. I hope we'll get to hear more of Ms Williams and that as she develops as a singer/songwriter she will not lose any of the cutting edge expression so evident on this stunning debut.

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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