Pass It On is Bryn Haworth’s second Christian solo album in as many years and his first on Refuge Records. Haworth, a fine musician, has played guitar on tour or in the studio for Cliff Richard, Gerry Rafferty, Joan Armatrading, and other notables.

However, Pass It On shows evidence that great playing cannot make up for poor writing. Haworth plays with incredible talent, but even then the weak material can detract from what he is doing.

As on last year’s The Gap, Haworth so desperately wants to communicate his faith that he quickly resorts to cliches and shallow thoughts. Examples of this are found in “Think for Yourself” when Haworth sings, “Think for yourself / Don’t let your friends do the thinking for you”; and in “Perfect Love” in the lines, “I used to wake with blues in my head / But it’s better now ‘cause I have faith instead.” Not bad thoughts, but they could use a bit of creative flair.

Musically, this album is a hodgepodge, albeit Haworth performs ably in a range of styles. The title cut is a light jazz number reminiscent of Sweet Comfort Band circa Breaking the Ice. “Come Away” and “Think for Yourself” have a T-Bone Burnett feel, yet lack that last bit of “ump” to move them into the memorable category. “Perfect Love” may be the best song on the album musically. The band finds a groove absent from the other songs, but it is too weak lyrically. “Peace and Understanding,” another good cut, has a very repetitious ending (but that is, after all, what rock and roll is). The last cut, “Fear God,” has a country/gospel feel. It seems a bit out of place on this record.

Haworth’s vocals are strong and mixed clearly above the music. His playing is solid, but I wished he had stepped out to show us why he is so popular as a sideman.