Reviewed by Paul Poulton

Dottie doesn't mind being called a legend as long as they put the "living" bit in front.
It will cost you $200 to get a platinum seat to see her inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall Of Fame in February 2006, but don't fret, the cheap seats are only $125. Elvis, Whitney Houston and Dolly Parton among many others have all recorded her songs. There's little doubt that Southern gospel is richer because of Dottie. The CD begins with a soul stirring big fat rendition of "He Looked Beyond My Fault"; once that's out of the way it's full steam ahead. Make way for this star studded crew and hold on to your toupee, these guys are on a roll. Country licks fast and mean, female vocals that replace "s" with a "shh", a bit like Sean Connery speaks (it's a country thing). Anyway where was I, oh yeah, Duane Eddy-style guitar, plus blues licks, blues harp, spotless playing, unflawed arrangements and polish that Mr Sheen would be hard pressed to beat. Bill's production is exemplary. Dottie wrote all 15 of the songs here, covered by Jessy Dixon, Sandi Patti, The Crabb Family, the list goes on. I'm trying to find something negative to say about this album to make me look like a balanced reviewer, but I'm really struggling.

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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