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Years ago at a writer’s conference I received a manuscript critique that included the comment "needs a tighter focus." On his third solo recording David Phelps could benefit from a tighter musical focus. 

The opening blast of guitar sound on "With His Love (Sing Holy)" caught me by surprise. I was not expecting the rock edge that continued into the second song and found it’s way to "Long Time Coming." It slows down on the title track and "That’s What Love Is," which are adult contemporary pop. "Behold The Lamb," "Gentle Savior," and "The Name Lives On" move into inspirational territory. Phelps sings each well, but the styles are too varied to be cohesive musically.

He sounds good with the rock edge, but the modern pop on "Life Is a Church" sounds better. But that also poses a problem. He reminds me of artists like Greg Long and Clay Crosse. How can Phelps keep himself from sounding like everyone else doing adult contemporary pop?

His inspirational songs would benefit from less production and understated singing. An older generation may favor climatic songs with high notes, but it has less appeal today, especially with a younger audience. 

Michael Dalton
October 23, 2005