Rachel Cross, the Takoma Park singer-songwriter best known for her association with the world beat ensemble Big Village, covers U2's "Pride" on her debut CD in a simple yet soulful manner. But more important, she uncovers a lot of original material on the album, songs that embrace a wide range of moods and emotions.
Nothing here is more stirring or scolding than "Freedom Song," in which Cross rails against those who engage in sexual harassment. "How would you like someone to terrorize your sister?" she asks. "How would you like somebody to disrespect your mother?" More often, though, Cross focuses on lyrics that are meant to inspire listeners -- inspire them to laugh ("The Laundry Song") or dance ("Re-Soul Your Shoes") or to witness the breadth of her imagination (the album's title track).
Anyone familiar with Big Village won't be surprised by the album's broad stylistic reach and multicultural influences -- former Villagers Henry Cross and Jacqui MacMillan surface here and there -- or by its homespun charm. Yet Cross has augmented her acoustic guitar and harmonica with plenty of local talent, including guitarist Al Petteway and saxophonist Ron Holloway, and clearly spent a lot of time making sure that "Angels . . . " stands on its own.

-- Mike Joyce

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