Reviewed by Tom Lennie

The sleevenotes call him "arguably the greatest hymnwriter of the last 30 years", thus placing him alongside the likes of Bill Gaither and Andrae Crouch. Hmm, not sure about that. But leaving the hyperbole aside we should note that Smallwood's songs have been recorded by a host of gospel artists as well as the likes of Whitney Houston and Michael W Smith. This budget compilation attempts to capture "the 10 quintessential songs that defined" his career. Picking songs from just three of his previous recordings - 'Textures' (1987), 'Vision' (1988) and 'Portrait' (1990) - this compilation certainly portrays the range of Smallwood's musical styles, and there are some appealing songs, not least the inspirational "I've Come Too Far" sung by an unnamed female vocalist. But "the definitive gospel collection" it certainly isn't.

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