Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Bill and Gloria's take on Southern Gospel with its copious use of middle of the road orchestrations and lashings of sentimentality makes this 2007 album a difficult set to listen to. There are some good songs and performances here: Lynda Randle brings some storefront church fire to "Go Tell It On The Mountain" while it's fascinating to hear Mark Lowry and The Gaither Vocal Band performing one of the best ever post-war Christmas songs "Mary, Did You Know?", a classic written by Lowry. But elsewhere this compilation contains some unbearable smaltz. Jake Hess mangles "White Christmas", The Homecoming Friends do a blander-than-bland version of "Angels We Have Heard On High" while Anthony Burger's "Deck The Halls/Jingle Bells/Feliz Navidad" medley is so florid that it will take the enamel off your teeth. For Southern Gospel sentimentalists only.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.