First it's the voice. That same soulful, powerful instrument that launched a thousand smiles, back on her mainstream record debut, Big Town, and as background vocalist supporting folk like John Hiatt and Emmylou Harris. Then it's the songs, which even a stint trying to serve up the pabulum required to gain Christian radio airplay on Reunion Records, Bus Named Desire and Lessons of Love, could not drain of their potency and tendency toward honest humanity. Cleveland's smart pop/rock connects to a broad audience, but the lyrics find a similar tone as Mark Heard's "Stuck in the Middle" — too sacred for the sinners, too earthy for some of the saints. But not this sinner/saint, when Cleveland celebrates the "Power of Love," and reminds us in "Wired" that "love goes a long, long way," she's on common ground. "Land of the Living" gives thanks to God for all of life in the shadow of the events of 9/11, "Faith Like a Little Child" offers an oft-overlooked admonition of wisdom, "Broken Places," a duet with Jennifer Knapp, touches the heart of the human condition that we all know more about than we like to admit. There are a couple of missteps: her rewrite of Hiatt's "Riding With the King" is forced and unnecessary, and she adds little to Neil Young's "Needle and the Damage Done." Sure, Cleveland may "Try Too Hard," but when she prays "Don't Let Me Fall," and admits "I been so good, except for the drinking, but He knew that I would," in "Jesus Gonna Be Here Soon," she gets to the truth of grace and our need for it. And then there's her husband, Kenny Greenberg's hot guitar playing, and we're back to that sensual voice again and the passion she inspires. Lord, have mercy; this is the real deal.
Editors' ratings — Doug 3/5, Lonny 3.5/5
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Chris MacIntoshIt has been four years since Ashley's last release, 1998's live collection entitled You Are There. Her last studio venture was 1995's Lesson of Love. Any and all usurpers beware because this rock queen is back once again to rightfully reclaim her throne. Second Skin is just good old get up, tap your feet and dance around the room rock n roll. Listening to this release makes me wish that she was…Similar sounding releases
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