Reviewed by Martin Emerson

The Jesus Movement is probably the most significant factor in the birth of the contemporary Christian Music industry. This 3 CD box set is a collection of just some of the best of the music born out of the Jesus Movement. Artists, some still well known today, others long forgotten, include Agape, Randy Matthews, Phil Keaggy, Paul Clark, Charly McPheeters & The Bible Belt Boogie Band, Liberation Suite, Wendell Burton, Love Song, John Fischer, Resurrection Band (Rez), Armageddon Experience and many more. Volume one includes the classic Randy Stonehill track "Norman's Kitchen" (that's Larry Norman's kitchen). There are many rare or previously unreleased recordings and a number of alternative recordings. Volume 3 is all live recordings, including two tracks from Larry Norman, one from Andrae Crouch And The Disciples and even a track from cross-carrying evangelist Arthur Blessitt. This box set also comes with a 24 page booklet giving a brief history of the artists and a brief history of the Jesus Movement written by Larry Norman. This is not just a collection of good music, but an education and a must for anybody with an interest in early contemporary Christian music. Though the box set is only available on CD, the separate volumes are available on cassette but the cost is about double that of the CD box set!

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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