Reviewed by Chris Tozer

As Chris Willman humorously writes in the liner notes of this album, Russ Taff would sound great singing from the phone book. Thankfully the Lord saved him to sing his own brand of powerful gospel rock to counter the likes of Tom Jones in the mainstream world. Ever since his Pentecostal upbringing on the farm and his subsequent spell with the Imperials, Taff has never been ashamed to confidently proclaim the Gospel loud and clear. This album is in fact a reissue of a compilation originally issued in 1994 and features 14 songs that Taff recorded between 1979 and 1989. Never a strong songwriter in the early days, Russ has been able to use the services of the best that Nashville's Christian community could offer over the years as this collection amply proves. Contributing writers include Michael and Stormie Omartian, Brown Bannister, Dave Perkins, Michael Been and Britain's own Chris Eaton. With such talent at his behest it is not surprising that this is a fantastic 'Best Of' package that will delight those who have only discovered Taff since his regular appearances on Gatiher's Homecoming Friends vids and CDs. The album includes a number of Taff's US Christian radio hits including "We Will Stand" (#1 for 15 weeks in 1983), "Silent Love" (#3 in 1985), "I Cry" (#1 for 4 weeks in 1989) and "Walk Between The Lines" (#1 for 10 weeks in 1988). As a bonus two tracks from Taff's sojourn with the Imperials complete a notable package that will certainly please younger fans unaware of his great pedigree.

This track data is supplied by the Cross Rhythms CD/DVD review library. Please note that CD tracks may vary according to release region or product version. You should not assume that products purchased through Cross Rhythms Direct will necessarily have identical track listings to those shown.