Reviewed by Philip Crawley

Last year there seemed to be a real slew of CCM acts producing CDs of hymns. Now Avalon join the throng. This is the Nashville harmonizers' eighth CD and includes such gems as "In Christ Alone", "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art". But it's not all 19th century hymnody. There are gospel tunes as well - track six "I'll Fly Away" is a superb arrangement dripping in the mighty Hammond and enough cowbell to satisfy me! The only slightly strange number (for me) is the final song - "For Freedom" which is dedicated to all the American forces. It raises the Stars and Stripes and although we do have a responsibility to remember the men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan wrapping it all in this "God bless America" sentiment sits uncomfortably with this reviewer. Overall though, the class of the harmonies and the timeless quality of the material makes for a successful musical marriage. The album was produced by another US CCM heavyweight Brown Bannister and it shows.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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