Reviewed by George Luke

Subtitled 'Urban Praise', this offering from Integrity features the choir, Fred Hammond, put together a couple of years ago, putting a slight R&B spin on some familiar worship songs. For some reason, the album's cover artwork strikes me as a sort of sanctified version of the cover art on Marvin Gaye's classic 'I Want You' album. I don't know why; maybe it's the sight of all those colourfully dressed black people in wild abandon in a darkened room. Just like with the painting on Marvin's album, it gives you a sense (if that's the word) of loads of people celebrating something or other with all their might. I just wish Fred and the gang had packed as much 'oomph' into their worship. The album starts off on an upbeat note, then goes completely mellow for a few songs before picking up again. It all sounds pleasant enough, but feels more "business as usual", rather than, "let's go wild!"

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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