Since Anthony Evans's 2006 sophomore release, Letting Go, he has offered a praise and worship cover project (The Bridge) and a recent Christmas album (What Christmas Means) leading up to his third project, Undisguised. The title of Evans's latest album comes from his desire to approach worship with honesty and without any masks. An admirable theme to be sure, but when the album finishes, I can't help but wonder if Evans's own message might have been more effective had he shown a more vulnerable part of himself in his songwriting rather than simply spinning lyrics which have been recycled far too many times over years. While the song titles don't reveal the heart of Undisguised in its entirety, they do offer an effective look into the albums' lyrics. Although "You Alone" and "All That Matters" aren't the popular singles which permeated contemporary Christian radio, Evans's "Mighty To Save" is Laura Story's often covered hit. With the exception of the personal "Could It Be," the eleven track-album is entirely devoted to praise and worship songs which aren't short on clichés or platitudes. On "Everything," Evans offers the line, "When I'm unfaithful, you remain the one thing that won't change;" powerful, but not exactly the most original insight going.

Sadly, the music on the first eight tracks doesn't compensate enough for the often lacking lyrics. Essentially, Evans's template is worship, but his fine voice and reoccurring choir support give the music a gospel influence. Within the first three quarters of Undisguised there aren't many highlights except for the opening pop tune "The Stand" and the upbeat gospel song "You Alone" which could appeal to fans of Mandisa. The true redeeming aspect of the album lies within the final four tracks which include three of the project's best moments. Both "All That Matters" and "Could It Be" are solid piano-driven pop tunes, while the finale features strong vocals from Evans. In prospective, Anthony Evans's best moments somewhat pale in comparison to CCM's giants, but, ultimately, the lack of inventive lyrics is the defining factor which leaves Undisguised as an average worship album.

- Review date: 1/24/10, written by Nathaniel Schexnayder of Jesusfreakhideout.com