Mike Mennard has a strong baritone voice, reminiscent of Michael Card, that is usually accompanied by an acoustic guitar and an occasional bit of high harmony. What really sets him apart from some other Christian musicians is his song writing. The songs on this album avoid obvious rhymes and lyrical clichés, yet they are instantly singable. For example, my favorite song on the album, "Multi-Purpose God," contains this verse: "The devil comes against me/No need to fear/My God will kick his butt/Right out of here." Besides theological accuracy, Mennard has painted a word picture that I will not soon forget.
While the album does not range much musically, he does give each song its own unique sound. As a result, there is a slightly disjointed feel as one goes from one song to the next. That's a minor complaint. He gives the feeling that he sincerely means each word that he sings, a quality that is sometimes missing in music of this type.
The songs are strongly based on scripture, but always placed in a contemporary setting. For example, "Another Silent Night," is about remembering the people born today under the same circumstances as Jesus. The song, "Grace (There is a Way)," teaches about the concept of God's grace and what that should mean to us. Because of the scriptural accuracy, the teaching and the quality of this work, I would not hesitate to give it to any non-Christian friends who are searching, or any Christians who would appreciate solid song writing presented in an Adult Contemporary manner.
