Reviewed by Robin Thompson

This really is an album of two halves. The first six songs are strong, infectious funk/soul numbers which fit with the celebratory theme; the second six are more downbeat, which is not a problem in itself, but they lack the quality of the former and provide an unwelcome contrast to the triumphant atmosphere set by the first six. Highlights of the first batch are Mary Mary's classic "Shackles (Praise You)" and the bluesy "Gonna Lift Your Name" from Anointed. These are strong enough to rival any secular Top 40 R&B track. The album then takes its downward turn into '80s inspired soul ballads culminating in an enormously twee closing track "I Found The Answer" from Tramaine Hawkins which has a really naff narrated voiceover. Tramaine is a tremendously talented diva and this compilation starts off so well but lets it slip so badly. Half of it is good, so it gets half the marks it could have had...

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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