After hearing Daniel's Window's second album It's A Mystery, I wasn't too impressed. While a couple tunes caught my attention, most of the record remained almost embarrassing to listen to. But now, Daniel's Window has taken a new turn in the right direction with their third effort, Illuminate.

Immediately the band sets a worship/rock tone with Heather Hershey's vocals on everyone's favorite, "Open The Eyes Of My Heart". Beginning with a prayer for opened hearts, the song does well with its only downfall being the rapped bridge. Without the rap, this song would have been great, but unfortunately, we have the rap to deal with, as on much of the rest of record. "I'm Gonna Dance" is an original track written by the band. The song is also good until the bridge where we once again have some very embarrassing rap vocals, which, if left out, would have made an awesome new worship song. "I Will Live For You" quiets things down a bit with a light guitar-driven sound.

"Hosanna", another track penned by the band, has that traditional worship feel to it. This one loses the rap vocals and comes away with much better results. After you get past the awkward rap at the beginning of the song, "Your Everlasting Love" turns out okay until you hit the bridge where you unsuccessful rap vocals plague the song once again. Another worship favorite, "Trading My Sorrows" fares well with no rap and an upbeat sound.

One of the highlights, "Every Move I Make", throws electric guitars in to this fun song. "Lift Your Name Higher" is another positive, upbeat song written by the band. A major highlight, "Awesome Is The Sight", slows down to bring us into worshipping Jesus, which is what Daniel's Window is all about.

Probably the best song, and my personal favorite, is the original song, "Sing Hallelujah". A great worship song with an upbeat sound, "Sing Hallelujah" is sure to become a favorite of many. The final track, "Illuminate" is another original from the band, but fails to be very catchy, innovative, or all that memorable.

A good push in the right direction, and definitely not to be the last thing we see from this group, Illuminate may miss the mark here and there, but Daniel's Window certainly has their hearts in the right place with a desire to see Jesus lifted up.

- Review date: 4/18/03, written by Shaun Stevenson