Reviewed by Julie Porter

According to Nichole Nordeman - Colorado singer/songwriter and holder of nine Dove Awards - 'Recollection' was like rediscovering the pages of an old journal. Don't worry if you are new to Nichole's songs, hearing them for the first time will be just as refreshing for you as it will be for those who are diehard Nordeman fans. This compilation, spanning her 10 year recording career, features songs touched by three top rate producers. Mark Hammond produces tracks like the pop feel "Holy", mellow worship track "Every Season" (complimented by live strings), and the haunting "Why" where Nordeman imagines being at Jesus' crucifixion. Charlie Peacock's producing magic is evident on "Legacy" from Nichole's 2002 hit album 'Woven And Spun'. And Jay Joyce produces the up tempo "Brave". Nordeman has written two new tracks for this album and teams up once again with producer Hammond. The first is the harmonious "Sunrise" described by Nordeman as the song that "came out of a period of pretty serious hopelessness for me. . .I needed to acknowledge that the sunrise was on the horizon." The second, "Finally Free", celebrates the joy of freedom and was written to coincide with the Women of Faith 2007 Conference. 'Recollection: The Best Of Nichole Nordeman' rewards listeners with some thought provoking and finely crafted music.

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.