Reviewed by Phil Thomson

A snapshot is never a snapshot. It is an intimate moment in time. That's what you get here. And it's where the compilation concept comes gloriously into its own: in celebration of the unsung heroes of the trade. Some of the singer/songwriters are already, no doubt, a legend in your living room - yet others will be less well known. What unites them is their willingness to be vulnerable, to put words of wisdom in our mouths, music in our hearts, ideas and opportunities in our heads. It brings a fresh perspective to our faith and our future. No sooner have Paul Field and Dan Wheeler drifted sweetly into our subconscious with "This is Love" than Olwen Ringrose's bittersweet "Hardly A Day" pulsates through our senses. And the sheer intensity of personal exposure keeps on and on - the driving, uncompromising "Time Is Right" of Paul Bell, the melt-your-heart fragility of Cathy Burton ("Love's Invited") - truly lived-in music. You'll find a lot of unplugged moments, restrained arrangements which let the songs breathe, poignant revelations such as Nicki Rogers' 29 Years, an outstanding piano-led piece with a disturbing narrative. The inclusion of the latter says much about the reach of the compilers. There is so much more going on than the knees-up standards and 'worship-leader-of-the-month' take on Christian music; in similar vein - the underrated Sue Rinaldi's quietly rocky, cello-smothered "Rich Girl" offering stage presence, a story, putting on the listener. And she does it again with the truly haunting "Radiance". That's successful communication. This is a sensitive, heartwarming set of songs and a rare reminder that the 'big numbers' don't always cut 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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