Reviewed by Tony Cummings

In the blurb on the sleeve Graham Kendrick says, "These songs are helping praise break out in our congregations. I hope they will do the same thing in yours," while Roger Forster, the pastor of the Ichthus Fellowship whose members wrote and performed this project, says, "We need to see more families worshipping together, particularly in these days. This tape will help greatly." Families? Well, there you are you see, this is intended to be "10 new songs which cross the boundary between children's and adults' praise and worship." In a sense they do. But only by bringing together the weakest elements of both. Exceedingly banal melodies and lots of children singing in unison have been grafted to more adult lyrics ("Leave behind the desert, crossing over into the life that God has planned") and a "Come on let's praise the Lord" leader on the intro very much like a GK 'Make Way' album. There are some serious talents represented here. Ex-Heartbeat man Dave Bankhead produced the backing tracks and the songs include one from the so-talented Judy Bailey. But even a 'Mr Blobby' style character called Joshua showing the actions to "I Reach Up High" and "Crossing Over" cannot hide the vacuous nature of the project. I was going to give it three squares but my daughter plumped for two. I'll stop reviewing now, I'm going to have a worship time with my family. I've chosen "Ocean Of Your Love" by Glenn Kaiser, my wife Maxine has gone for "We Sing Praises" by Deniece Williams and Natalie Cole, Joanna (12) has plumped for "More Precious Than Silver" by Nitro Praise and Asher (9) wants "Hosanna" by the Vineyard guys. Sadly, nothing on 'Let Praise Break Out' is in the same league.

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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