Reviewed by Jonathan Day

Vol 1 of 'The World As Best...' was for me, one of the finest CCM albums of this year. Enchantingly combining intelligent powerful and honest songs of faith with superb production blending virtuoso acoustic playing, including the best hammered dulcimer I've ever heard. It had the finest of big budget sounds - superb orchestral arrangements with just the right amount of contemporary touches. So, how does Vol 2 compare? Well, it's a fine album. Rich's voice is as passionate and compelling as ever. There is plenty of poetry and faith in the lyrics. The production is more commercial (read bland) using less acoustic instruments and for me overusing producer Reed Arvins piano and overstating the orchestral and choir arrangements almost to the point of schmatz on some occasions. The songs in general don't have the grandeur of Vol 1 either. Having said that "Hello Old Friends", "Sometimes By Step", "What Susan Said" and "Growing Young" would have sat well with the previous selection. I can't help feeling that this is an album of "also ran" songs rejected from the earlier volume. Because they emanate from an incredibly gifted writer and a creative producer they still form a fine album. But if you want brilliance, search out Vol 1.