Reviewed by Peter Dilley

A CD on which all the songs are "written and performed" by five to 11 year-olds raises some interesting questions. Within the context of a local church, it can rightly be seen as an act of encouragement, affirming the role of the children as full participants in worship and celebrating their creativity within it. Wider promotion for such a recording is much more problematic: true, it might reinforce that message of affirmation, but it also runs the risk of over-exposure of musical talents which are still very much at a formative stage. Purely as songs, opener "King Of Kings" and "Hey Jesus" wouldn't seem out of place on other children's ministry albums, and all the lyrics, chord and melody sheets are on the CD (PDF format) for those who might wish to use them. Other songs show similar potential, although some tweaking wouldn't go amiss, but I must admit that I wondered what "I Know Who You Are" was actually trying to say. Whilst Harvey Jones' instrumental arrangements are variable but generally adequate, the quality of the children's vocals is the big drawback - even after what sounds like some judicious use of pitch-correction software, there are definite weaknesses in their solo performances. This is unsurprising from young, untrained voices. However well-intentioned this project may be, I have to conclude that it's a case of "you've done too much, much too young", as the Specials once put it.

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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