Now
OnNow, his fourth release, Greg Long has wrapped his unapologetic faith in his most accessible sound yet. The opener, an upbeat rocker and sure-fire hit entitled "Sufficiency of Grace," makes that quite clear. Buzz-saw guitars cut their way through the melodic chorus as Long sings, "If there is a shadow/ I can't see it/ If this is my cup/ I'll learn to drink it/ If there is a purpose/ You'll reveal it." The beautiful and poignant ballad "In the Waiting" shows a softer, more contemplative side of Long, the man reaching for faith while facing a murky future. Elsewhere, the anthem "We Dream of a Kingdom," complete with children's choir, sounds like something from a Broadway show tune, while "The Gospel" combines an out-of-nowhere funky beat with a very catchy chorus. With the conviction of faith and the voice of Dan Dean (from, of course,Phillips, Craig, and Dean), Greg Long lays another stone in establishing his foundation as a worthwhile Christian artist.--Michael Lyttle