Reviewed by Tony Cummings

My vote for the most joyously encouraging praise album of the year. Those of you who still believe all American praise music is spineless muzak had better catch this album where contemporary rock, pop and funk arrangements are put to a set of spine-tingling songs of consistently good quality. Volume 3 in Maranatha's obviously popular 'Spiritual Warfare Series' the incisive lyrics presented will, to critics of the charismatic renewal sound like so-much shallow triumphalism but are in fact biblical exhortations to flex spiritual muscles and do some real damage to the enemy's strongholds. The unison chorus work well against the pumping accompaniments while the occasional lead vocals from the likes of Jamie Owens-Collins, Denny Correll (a new album from him is years overdue) and John Barbour are excellent. And the version of "Be Bold, Be Strong" with Tata Vega whooping it up like she's in a funky storefront is the definitive version of Morris Chapman's praise evergreen. Thoroughly recommended both to youth group leaders and adventurous worship leaders wanting to wrench their congregations away from soporific MOR praise.

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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