Reviewed by Brendan O'Regan

Good idea for the latest in the never-ending Homecoming Friends series to assemble a batch of songs highlighting the theme of gratitude - an attitude that could be more prominent nowadays. As always in the series, this is a live recording and this time the Friends are the Gaither Vocal Band, Ronnie Milsap, Buddy Greene, The Martins, Dallas Holm and others. Over the generous 19 tracks styles vary from country to Latin while the sound quality is pristine. The uptempo "Count Your Blessings" by The Martins sets up the album's theme. I loved the tracks featuring Grammy Award winning Jason Crabb - he sings with such passion and conviction with "Please Forgive Me" featuring subtle choral backing while "Ellsworth" is a touching personal story. "No Shortage" by The Isaacs and Bill Gaither is a playful take on recession - some things may be in short supply but not God's love. I've always been a fan of the traditional "Hard Times Come Again No More" (check out the version by Jennifer Warnes) and here Buddy Greene has a reasonably good version - letting the song speak clearly before the discreet choir joins in. There are only a few negatives - songs that are delivered weakly or are too preachy (eg, "I Could Never Praise Him Enough" and "Thanks To Calvary"). They are sincere but you need more than a sermon-in-song - there has to be something poetic, creative, imaginative. Thankfully most songs in this collection fit the bill.

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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Featuring songs from an unforgettable Homecoming gathering, Count Your Blessings features more than a dozen songs sung by gospel music’s finest voices.

Recount the blessings in your own life as you sing along, and see how these songs of gratitude can make your world a happier
place.