Reviewed by Chris Tozer

Recorded live in Memphis, what makes this album so special is the soul stirring duet from two voices far removed from the jaunty Southern gospel sound of the Happy Goodmans and the Blackwood family, namely black gospel's Jessy Dixon and MOR inspirational queen Sandi Patty. Their rendition of "My God Is Real" just has to be heard to be believed. Buy it for that track alone. This all encompassing collection provides the listener with a comprehensive introduction to this much beloved, though much maligned, American genre. From a purely theological point of view it was interesting to note that though the songs emanate from a whole spectrum of gospel writers, from the "thirties right up to the present day", they virtually all centre on just one religious theme - that there will be no more sadness when we gel to Heaven. Hence, it is not surprising that every track is written in the future tense. But it also explains, to some extent, why this kind of music is still greatly parodied by the mainstream culture. Songwriters please take note.

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.