Reviewed by Peter Dilley

If I had to describe an ideal children's album, I'd use words like energy, excitement, good musicianship and production, a solid Biblical/theological basis, and above all FUN. In the world of Christian retail punters are sometimes offered limp, pre-programmed, patronising, sugar-coated, sentimental nonsense. Happily, this third collection from British teacher-cum-worship leader Nigel Hemming and the Great Big God team is very much the former. The band are some of the same guys you hear on "grown-up" worship albums, most notably Calum Rees (drums) and Matt Weeks (bass) - they certainly give it some welly and you'll see from the bonus DVD that they enjoyed themselves too. Lead vocalists are Nigel, Jodie Frye and even Cathy Burton (soloing on Sarah Pickering's prayerful "Kiss It Better"), and adding to the atmosphere, hordes of enthusiastic kids sing in the background. Also on the DVD are dance steps (demonstrated by slightly embarrassed-looking teenage girls), live footage, plus Nigel's explanation of the development of the Great Big God project to date. Complementing the songs, the enhanced CD also gives you chord charts and acetate masters - quite a package.

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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