Love Will Rise
Artist: Mitch McVicker 
Label: Indie
Length: 13/52:31 

Almost eleven years have passed since the accident.  _Love Will Rise_ is the first album since his debut that makes me think Mitch McVicker's voice is back to its full strength.  Hopefully, I'm right, and this isn't studio trickery, because seeing these songs live is a must after hearing this disc. "Wounded One" turns an old formula upside down.  The chorus is the focus of the song, with couplets posing as verses to get you to the next chorus.  It features a dulcimer that recalls his friend and mentor Rich Mullins.  "Along With the Rocks" shows McVicker's vocal range returning, almost to the point of using too much falsetto. "Partysong" and "Magnificent" are a bit too repetitive, but the opening track, "Hallelujah" makes the album worth the price of admission all on its own.  Soaring lyrics about praising God before getting involved in the busy-ness of life, with the tagline "May your day be graced by love," it is the best praise song on this subject since Sara Groves "First Song That I Sing". It's pleasing to see Mitch making his way back.  Now if he can just find a label and a publicity group that will give him the attention he so richly deserves… 

Brian  A. Smith
16 July 2008