Reviewed by Robin Thompson

For a strongly traditional style of worship, the packaging of this is surprisingly contemporary, coming in a metal tin. Perhaps this represents their desire to embrace the fashionable whilst keeping their roots firmly in the conventional, which I feel is the main message this album gives about their approach to worship. The album itself is a compilation celebrating 25 years of music and ministry from the International Staff Songsters some of which are original songs and some that are not but feature original arrangements. The songsters have had five leaders over the period denoted and they have attempted to ensure that each one is represented here, each song having been featured on a previous recording. There are some wonderfully reflective moments on songs such as "The Lamb" and "Wondrous Cross" which are perfectly suited to this style, and conducted to bring appropriate emphasis and unity to the singers. Graham Kendrick's "Teach Me To Dance" is quite a contrast to this, but they have managed to make it work without it sounding awkward. In summary then, it does what it says on the tin (literally) but its appeal is still likely to be amongst those who prefer choral worship.

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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