But times change. Federal Express became FedEx, and Crosse became one of the brightest new stars in gospel music. His blend of Memphis soul and pop gave him five Number Ones on his first two albums, including "I Surrender All," "I'll Call Your Name," "His Love Is Strong," "His Love Is Coming Over Me," and "The Rock (That Was Rolled Away)."
Yet Crosse says the rapid industry success and the experience of extensive concert touring have shown him more about the ministry side of gospel music: "I've grown in the realization of how much this is a ministry, and not just a business," he says. "Yeah, it's entertainment to a certain degree, but you look at the lyrics of the songs I sing and it's quite evident that it's gospel music and it's ministry."
Far from the sophomore slump that affects the second albums of so many microwave-quick successes in almost every genre of music, Crosse's Time to Believe is as strong an effort as his first record. Boyish album cover photos that make him look like a Steven Curtis Chapman clone don't do justice to the soulful, passionate voice inside. At times, the music recalls a rocking Bonnie Raitt; other times a tinkling piano and a moody synth sets a lights-down-low, hotel lounge mood; even other times it recalls a plugged-in but turned-down Take 6, as Crosse weaves traditionally white, middle-class pop influences with the black soul, gospel, and blues threads that give a Memphis music flavor.
"The Rock" is the best example, a song that starts simply and builds to a rousing gospel choir finish. At the other end of the spectrum is "Time to Believe," the title song which presents Crosse in a more unplugged vein, just a simple guitar, bass, and mandolin over a drum program, as his smoldering vocals make you feel both the icy chill and the One who clears the storm that Crosse sings about.
"It paints a picture that life isn't always easy," Crosse says. But liking this record is. Crosse's forthcoming third album has a high standard to meet. Talent usually wins out, and there's no reason to think it won't this time.
Bill Hobbs is a reviewer for Christian music publications. He lives in Nashville, TN.
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