Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Let's quickly remind ourselves of the Cross Rhythms' review policy: "We will also review...music containing lyrics about the Christian faith when the performers (be they a chamber orchestra or a country singer) are not practicing Christians." I do not know whether any or all of the artists featured on this compilation album are believers. That is one aspect of reviewing best left to a better judge than this particular critic. Whatever their doctrinal positions these artists are at least prepared to support the Gospel Music Association through a portion (unspecified and tax exempt) of their royalties from this album. The GMA take a wide view of what defines gospel music but this potential diversity is not reflected in this compilation. In fact, the subtitle might more accurately be given as 'A Country Salute To 19th Century Hymnody' but maybe that would not shift quite as many units. Listening to the 10 tracks on offer in one sitting is somewhat like eating a (small) box of chocolates. Individually, each offering is sweet and enjoyable but en mass it becomes rather sickly. For the record (no pun intended) the other contributors are Lari White, John Anderson, John Berry, Martina McBride, Billy Dean and Susan Ashton, Paul Overstreet, Shenandoah, Alison Krauss And The Cox Family and Emmylou Harris. One track each so it is not a particularly long album. As it is full of cliches it may be apt to close the review with one: a curate's egg.

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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