Reviewed by Dave Brassington

Years ago it was almost mandatory for major country artists to record a gospel album, but not these days! Alan Jackson is one of today's top selling country artists and this is his first gospel recording. It has proved to be a big hit in the States, topping the country charts and achieving a high place in the pop album charts too, thus disproving the claim that gospel music is not commercial. There are 15 tracks, all recorded in Alan's gentle laid back country style, and only the last track "I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You" is a new song, the others being very familiar evergreens ranging from "Blessed Assurance", "In The Garden" to "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus". Amazingly this very well produced album manages to breathe new life into these very familiar songs. Some of Alan's family join him on "'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus", which is nice as I know Alan had some domestic problems a couple of years ago. With the big sales in the States of this album, who knows how many country fans will have got the Good News contained in it?

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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