Reviewed by Paul Davis

The 'easy listening/MOR' tag gives scant justice to the panoramic span of styles covered by these hugely successful releases arising from the even more hugely successful, 'secular chart'-topping videos. Roots may be in Southern gospel but the branches extend into almost every gospel form. From "Majesty" to "Sometimes Alleluia", throughout the 18 tracks there runs an almost tangible sense of intense worship-directed emotion. The video series' concept is wondrously simple and winsome! Under the auspices of songwriting geniuses, Bill and Gloria Gaither, there is an informal worship-gathering of outstanding Christian talent who are there to sing and share in the studio. Big names, some legendary, abound including Russ Taff, Jessy Dixon, James Blackwood, Jake Hess, Hovie Lister, among the newies. Laughter and tears flow freely in spontaneity. Highly recommended, the video series draws the viewer almost inevitably into sharing in the remarkable proceedings. The video transfers fully into an audio concept. This hardened reviewer with 30 years of critiquing gospel music is not ashamed to say this series has taken him prisoner.

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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