You might not recognize the name, but you're likely to recognize the voice: Russ Lee was once the lead singer in acclaimed Christian group Newsong back in the mid-'90s, as well as a featured vocalist for the band Truth. Now he's utilizing his songwriting and vocal skills on his first solo project, Words In Time. Nine of the ten songs were at least partially written by Russ — the tenth is a simplified but faithful cover of the 1988 #1 hit single "The Living Years" by Mike + the Mechanics.
Though well-performed, there's nothing very distinguishing about the music on Words In Time — which means that fans and critics of traditional Christian pop have an idea of what to expect. Listeners who like music similar to Clay Crosse and Phillips Craig & Dean (not to mention fans of Newsong) will be very pleased with Words In Time. Russ has a solid voice, sometimes very soulful, but never outstanding enough to knock you off your feet. Likewise, there's nothing wrong with Russ' songwriting skills, but there's nothing that demands your attention either. More discriminating listeners looking for something new, different, and exciting will probably find it rather bland. It's not ground-breaking, but if you like your Christian pop simple in music and transparent in message, Russ Lee has an album for you.
