Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Back in the early '90s America's N-Soul Records started a series of albums "Nitro Praise" which in their time were considered rather cutting edge in that they put the dance rhythms of clubland to batches of contemporary worship songs. Since that time other attempts have been made to engage church-going youth who don't enjoy the standard stadium rock worship template with something at least vaguely akin to the techno, gospel house and drum & bass styles of today's dance scene. Unfortunately, as this album shows there is a cheesiness in the overall concept which cannot be entirely eradicated. The fact is, songs like "Amazing God", "Hosanna" and "Jesus Saves" can't be transformed easily into dance music and although producer/remixer Ardent Al (whoever he is) tries valiantly to keep funky grooves going on the songs here it often simply sounds contrived even when he has retained the original lead vocals of some of the tracks. As if trying to cover their options, Elevation have tried to package this set of pop electro makeovers as a keep fit CD so the sleeve comes complete with Key Tips For A Healthy Lifestyle and even a recipe Elevation's Essential 'Go Faster' smoothie! Maybe there will be some overweight believers who'll want this album pumping from their iPods as they run around the park. But in truth, there are many funkier albums than this in Christendom which would get the legs pumping.

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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You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally. 1 Corinthians 9: 24-25 (Message)