Reviewed by Chris Tozer

If you've been off the planet these last twelve months then you will find this album the perfect place to catch up on what you've been missing in the wonderful world of American CCM. Well, that's the theory, I guess. The roster of featured artistes certainly is impressive. The veterans include Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W Smith. Today's big names range from Mesdames Jaci Velasquez and Stacie Orrico to established bands like Jays Of Clay, Third Day and The Newsboys with their brilliant praise anthem 'He Reigns'. Whilst all these illustrious folk clearly still have their eye on the ball it's good to see that many of the new kids on the block have the talent to merit inclusion in this collection of what the Stateside Christian radio stations have been playing this past year. Stand out newcomers for me have to be the witness song "The Change Inside Of  Me" by Mercyme to "American Dreams" by Casting Crowns. To my mind they have the talent to make a return appearance on a future album of Dove Award Hits. Moving on from American dreams to their current worst nightmare Mark Schultz wins my personal award for up to the minute writing with his touching story song "Letter From War". In terms of production and performance all the featured artistes give their secular counterparts a good run for their money. But if these songs are currently the best on offer then I fear that the secular charts will bereft of sanctified music in the near future.

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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