Evangelicals Now
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Beating Time
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By Glassbyrd
£10.99

Not being familiar with the sub culture that is Christian pop music I had no idea who Glassbyrd were before I got this album. They are Marc Byrd and Christine Glass, who I have since found out are established 'Christian music' artists in their own right. This album is the first collaboration between husband and wife. I suppose a modern day Sonny and Cher.

He has a Bryan Adams-type voice and her voice is pleasant enough. The album is enjoyable and is well produced.

Musically I enjoyed it but the words sadly are evangelical mumbo jumbo. I still don't really get what some songs are going on about. It is very 'me' centred. Nearly every song was something that 'I'm gonna', 'I'm never', you get the gist of what I'm saying. It's disappointing as what is good music is spoilt by words which really have no depth whatsoever. As for any songs which you could use as a congregation, I didn't feel there were any.

It's difficult to know how to recommend it. As a vehicle for truth it is next to useless; as good music which will not harm, I suppose I can. If only Glassbyrd employed an Isaac Watts or a Wesley to write them good God-centred words they could be really helpful to us all. Somehow I doubt that's going to happen.

Paul Levy,
Grove Chapel, Camberwell, London