Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Whilst Southern Gospel luminaries Bill and Gloria Gaither rightfully deserve their place in the CCM hall of fame, this 18 track live album from 2009 cements the fact that the plethora of releases in the Gaither back catalogue can sometimes be a bit hit and miss. In truth, this collection is a lacklustre affair that seems to have been thrown together at random and, despite guest appearances from Mark Lowry and Michael English and an unswerving focus on God's glory, it really misses the energy that past participants such as vocal outfit Ernie Haase And Signature Sound have previously added to the mix. Golden oldies such as the Gaither classic "He Touched Me" work best with Bill and the guys reverting to the tried and tested close knit harmonies that work so well but songs such as a dreadful Caribbean-tinged rendition of "Praise You" by Mark Lowry and the pedestrian opener "Feeling At Home In The Presence Of Jesus" lack the get up and go to enable this album to stand up next to some of the Gaithers' more acclaimed work. Proceedings rally near the end with Michael English's genuinely affecting take on "Then He Bowed His Head And Died" and Bill and English giving it all they've got in the stirring "It Is Finished" but these are not enough to save this mediocre release.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.