Brian Free & Assurance

Never Walk Alone
Daywind Records

From a production standpoint, “Never Walk Alone” is the best studio recording by Brian Free & Assurance in several years. They’re giving the music a chance to breathe now rather than trying to squeeze every possible ounce of volume from every moment. The excitement level is high on tracks that bump the stylistic boundaries of southern gospel. “Anything Is Possible,” “God Will Close the Door,” “Turn the Page” and “It’s Gotta Be God” push the energy to the front with driving rhythms and a big wall of vocals.

I enjoy those aggressive arrangements, but I expect the slow and medium tempo selections will resonate with more fans. “I Believe” affirms faith by reminding us of familiar Bible stories. “The Part Where You Come In” is a mid-tempo track that shifts the perspective of the chorus so the subject is first “she,” then “we,” then “I,” with “You” (God) being the constant. One trademark of every Brian Free & Assurance CD is a ballad about the cross. For “Never Walk Alone,” that song features Jeremy Lile and is titled “Remind Me of the Cross.”

“Never Walk Alone” is so balanced in terms of overall quality that it’s difficult to choose a favorite song. Brian Free & Assurance did their homework choosing great songs for this album and capably delivered the goods in the studio.