Reviewed by Jonathan Day

This is a tough one. I was excited when I saw this album. Produced in the same town, Nashville, as my two favourite Christian albums of recent months, it also features many of the same musicians. Like Rich Mullins' The World...' and Kim Hill's 'Brave Heart', it is a synthesis of acoustic driven songs and contemporary arrangements. Production is by Gary Chapman, a.k.a. Mr Amy Grant, credited by his wife as a driving force behind her excellent "Lead Me On". There are some fine performances, notably Jerry McPherson's electric and Wes himself on acoustic guitar. There are some fine songs; "Sticks And Stones", "By His Wounds", "In Time". Sadly, however, the album as a whole doesn't fulfil its potential. The songwriting is not as strong as either of the above, and Wes is not averse to cliche. "I put my life on the vine" could almost be a Marc Catley pastiche. Vocally, he has neither the passion of Rich nor the exuberance of Kim. As with their albums, the production straddles two camps. Though very different, they have found a gorgeous space between. 'Sticks And Stones' however, has lost its way in the gap. I was disappointed. A competent album, but with very few sparks.

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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