Reviewed by Peter Dilley

There has been no new output from Selah for awhile, but a budget package of two Dove Award-winning releases may tempt those who enjoy the classy pop from the US trio. 'Hiding Place' (2004) was an uplifting, if somewhat eclectic, mix of inspirational songs and hymns - their last with Nicol Sponberg in the line-up. It opens with "You Raise Me Up", which happily leans more towards Secret Garden's Celtic delivery than Westlife's hit. "You Are My Hiding Place" demonstrates their artistry with gentle worship songs, whilst the rendition of "There Is Power In The Blood" sounds a bit like a contemporary update of Ashley Cleveland's soulful version on 'Lesson Of Love' (1995). Congolese hymns "Essengo" and "By And By" are well executed, but ill matched to the other material. 'Bless The Broken Road' (2006) was billed as a 'Duets' album, but 'Collaborations' would probably be a better subtitle for a project which links members of Selah with several top CCM soloists and groups: Nicole C Mullen, Plumb, Jill Phillips and even BarlowGirl (with some really annoying kids too). Its opener brings Nicol's erstwhile replacement Melodie Crittenden to the fore, followed by "Gentle Healer", featuring her successor Amy Perry. Standing out though is "All My Tears" (with Kim Hill), a song also covered by Jars Of Clay, but written originally as Julie Miller's tribute to the singer Mark Heard - an outstanding expression of faith in life beyond the grave, that's full of confidence and eloquence.

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