Mal Pope has paid his dues many times over. His session appearances on many an album, most notably with his good friend Martyn Joseph and a key place on the City of Gold album (a single from which recently hit the US Christian Music charts), have recently brought Pope into the spotlight. But heads really started turning when BBC Radio One DJ Simon Mayo described Pope and his crew as the "best band in Britain," after hearing them perform at a birthday party, and began giving out their phone number on national radio.
This album mostly consists of worship ballads. Pope has a soft voice somewhat reminiscent of Chris Eaton and chooses for his musical backing a refined, organic pop sound. The slightly organic touch helps this album stand out from many of its adult contemporary colleagues.
"Fool's Wisdom," a duet with Martyn Joseph is a rendition of the 1970s Malcolm and Alwyn number. Initially Joseph's voice feels a little awkward but once the track takes hold, the two friends' voices interweave easily, the finger-picked guitar is more than appropriate, and its stripped-back simplicity make it a standout.
Pope's own writing takes most of its inspiration from the Bible. Songs based upon the story of Jonah and the crucifixion are the most obvious examples. "Oh Righteous God" seems to be perched somewhere between a psalm and a traditional hymn and has a suitably "large" and majestic backing, without being overbearing.
James Stewart (5/10/99)
