Reviewed by Norman Smith

One thing hits you immediately on listening to this 10-song collection: Vicki has a powerful voice. That is something in this era of manufactured music. She relishes the high notes, doesn't hold back in the slightest and if you let her loose vocally in your average kitchen shop, doubtless she'd have a mega bill for broken glass. Given such natural strength, it's imperative that the production and arrangements are tip top to give Vicki the best platform for her talent. Unfortunately, that important duo are woeful here. The production could have been done on my daughter's keyboard in her bedroom, and the track listing and arrangements are baffling. Seven successive undistinguished soporific slow burners then give way to the outstanding song in a poor job lot. “Almighty” is a catchy, Latin American up tempo frolic with substance. Higher calibre songs frameworked properly would surely help the artist to develop from this meagre fare. One final comment regarding the acknowledgements on this CD: Vicki thanks 94, yes 94, church leaders that have influenced her in a 12 year ministry. How many people have significantly influenced you readers personally in your whole lifetime? A handful if you're lucky? Life in the Big Apple, eh...

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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