Reviewed by Tom Lennie

This is a fairly wide-ranging hymnal package, very much in traditional styling, sung by a clearly talented choir and soloists, and all arranged by Paul Leddington Wright. Unfortunately, we're not even given a hint as to who the singers are, either individually or collectively, nor where the album was recorded. Thankfully, other (necessary) information has been provided, such as hymn-writers and approximate dates of composition. Full song lyrics are also included, in a bulging glossy booklet. Many of the old favourites are here - "To God Be The Glory", "Amazing Grace", "Abide With Me", etc. A selection of more modern compositions also feature - thus the ubiquitous "Morning Has Broken" and "Shine, Jesus Shine"; several Stuart Townend songs and even Robert Critchley's "What A Faithful God". But the limitations of traditional arrangements like these are especially evident on tunes like "The Old Rugged Cross"; I'd wager that less than five in a hundred people, no matter what their age or background, would favour the '"churchy" version here over Bart Millard's totally striking take on his 'Hymned Vol 1' CD. Same goes for some other tracks. Still, this is a fine collection, with several hours worth of pleasant, standard arrangements.

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