Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Recorded live at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, this release from the church's Costa Rican worship leader and pastor Danilo Montero consists of self-penned numbers and familiar praise songs sung completely in Spanish to a large and enthusiastic home crowd. Aside from his Donny Osmond-style looks and sounding somewhat like Enrique Iglesias in the more emotional moments of this offering, Montero's output is every bit as polished as that of his more mainstream worship contemporaries thanks not least to a top notch backing band and his own abilities as a worship leader. Non Spanish-speaking listeners will recognise Montero's version of the Israel Houghton/Chris Tomlin standard "I Know Who I Am" whilst stirring renditions of "Grace" (Michael W Smith) and Jennie Lee Riddle's "Revelation Song" transcend the language barrier to prove that modern worship music is not the sole property of the English tongue. Elsewhere, originals such as "Eres Suficiente" and "Bendito Jesus" reflect the overall high octane nature of this release whilst the more tender psalmic interpretation "Salmo 84" and a simply astounding solo spot from harpist Edmar Castaneda on "Preludio De Arpa" add some needed variety to this accomplished release.

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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Danilo Montero is one of the most respected and gifted worship singers in Latin America. His newest project, Devoción was recorded live with 8,000 worshippers at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas where he is the Associate Pastor of the Spanish congregation.

Take a musical journey into the presence of God with new praise and worship songs from Latin American artists as well as some of Danilo's own compositions (co-written with his producer Coalo Zamorano).

Kari Jobe joins Danilo in a Spanish version of Revelation Song and harpist Edmar Castañeda plays a prelude to Michael W. Smith's Grace.

Devoción calls the church to whole-hearted devotion in passion, commitment and worship.