Reviewed by Tony Cummings

With the sleeve blurb promising "16 pop/dance versions of worship songs, plus free backing track CD" this energising project does exactly what it sets out to do, wrenching worship out of the stylistic plod of many of the guitar strummers but executing the endeavour with none of the inherent cheesiness which never seemed far from America's Nitro Praise series. Producer Matt Wanstall has deftly transformed the anthems of Brian Doerksen, Robin Mark and Graham Kendrick into credible pop dance items while that veteran studio whiz Zarc Porter brings a whole new rhythmic groove to Matt Redman's "Oh Sacred King" and "Jesus Christ (Once Again)". These two gems are sung by the young worship leader himself while if that's not enough to attract the casual browser, Martin Smith, rock singer of this parish, does a nice new version of his own, "Lord You Have My Heart". With a bevy of other great voices featured here - Doronda K Lewis of the Tribe and Ireland's underrated Pete Wilson are particularly outstanding - you've got a great marriage of great songs, production savvy and quality voices. Truly worship to take many a youth group into the millennium.

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.

This track data is supplied by the Cross Rhythms CD/DVD review library. Please note that CD tracks may vary according to release region or product version.