Like glimpsing the ghost of a long-lost friend, Mitch McVicker's solo
               debut spooks us for its likeness to the late Rich Mullins, as much as
               we welcome the apparition.

               Indeed, despite his tragic death one month into production, Mullins'
               fingerprint is all over this album. In addition to a co-production
               credit, Mullins co-wrote three of the songs with McVicker, including
               the Gospel Music Association's 1998 Song of the Year, "My
               Deliverer."

               McVicker's self-penned songs bear Mullins' melodic stamp; more
               haunting, still, is his vocal resemblance to Mullins, especially on
               songs like the opening track, "Here & Now," and heart-wrenching
               "Only Love Will."

               While such comparisons would raise a cautionary "uh-oh" applied to
               any other artist, in McVicker's case, they are genuine assets.
               McVicker's artistry may resemble that of Mullins, but this is no mere
               parroting -- indeed, one senses Mullins may have found in McVicker
               a musical soul mate. The two were true collaborators: They
               co-wrote a musical, performed together, and, in fact, nearly died
               together. (McVicker was with Mullins in the car accident which
               claimed the latter's life and left McVicker severely injured.)

               With this in mind, it's difficult to hear Mitch McVicker and not also
               find the ghost of Rich Mullins. That may hamper McVicker as he
               tries to carve out an identity separate from his late, great friend
               and mentor. Others may choose to see it for what it is: the student
               carrying on after the death of his teacher.

               McVicker does occasionally rock a little harder than Mullins
               (especially on "Freedom" and "Hope"), but when he gets mellow, it's
               with an oh-so-familiar lyrical honesty (as on "She Asked Me How")
               and melodic twist that captures the heart.

               As a listener, one can't help but embrace the music and be thankful
               that there is someone to fill Mullins' shoes.