Reviewed by Phil Thomson

On this one, what you hear is what you get - 10 quality songs from a California-based songsmith which dip and dive with a not-so-quiet confidence and any number of subtle, unexpected twists. Trent Thomason is a rare treat - one of those reassuring musical theatre voices with big production aspirations. There's all the soaring, silky entreaty of the power ballad one minute, then the edginess of a listen-at-all-costs punch-out the next. The mix is a delight. Here is someone prepared to be adventurous with our expectations of the pop/rock genre - thanks in no small measure to his collaboration with producer Steve Smith - together never jarring our sensibilities, yet always staying just one step ahead in composition and arrangement. Refreshingly, not even the occasional prolonged instrumental break or jazz-tinged outro seem to be out of place. The lyrics too, offer a thought-provoking series of propositions on faith, revealing clearly what is on the heart of this risky rocker. To be reminded that "God is not whispering, he's calling" is sobering enough for me - and there's plenty more. You can pick up any number of contemporary rock albums which are all froth and no substance; but that is not the case here. Every song is crafted, every track meaningful entertainment to the glory of God. Given the title, what other rating can I give it?

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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