Reviewed by Ian Hayter

Sanctified children's aerobics anyone? John has written some great children's songs - plenty of rhythm and easily memorable words - and this most recent album (with accompanying DVD) continues that tradition. Here we have a set of 10 songs, all based on Bible verses, just right for pre-teen and primary school-aged children. Most of the Bible verses are taken from the Psalms, but there are a few other verses thrown into the mix for good measure. The tunes are catchy, particularly on the three medleys (the opening "Happy Medley", "The Word Of The Lord Medley" and the closing "The Love Medley") and there are downloadable lyric sheets and guitar chords to help you share the songs with the eager young kids at your Sunday Club. The album really does what it says on the tin, because along with the Bible-based lyrics and boppy tunes there is a workshop that you can follow on the accompanying DVD to help you learn the actions and dance moves. Accompanied by a bunch of youngsters (some of whom, unfortunately, look as if they wish they were somewhere else), John Hardwick and his assistants enliven the songs still further with simple dance moves. The CD cover invites us to "have fun, burn off loads of calories and learn Bible verses all at the same time." Sounds like a good idea - and this album will certainly help in that.

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.