Reviewed by Tony Cummings

In the 10 years plus of Cross Rhythms' existence there are very few times when a sampler/compilation has gained that coveted 10 square rating. Lets face it, many such albums are poorly compiled, and sometimes overpriced, ragbags of whatever the marketing men are currently pushing and even when the tracks selected are from Grade A albums you also have the problem of uneven stylistic clashes to overcome. But this breathtaking album scores on every possible count. For a start, there are 16 full tracks by a cavalcade of largely American artists (with a couple of Brits - Fono and Sammy Homer's The Seanachaidh project thrown in for good measure). For another thing, this album comes at an unbeatable price of 99p. There are no duff tracks on this set and 'Fresh' is unreservedly recommended to use as a continual spiritual music accompaniment around the house (the Cummings family's current use); an invaluable primer of what's out there in the pop/rock racks of the Christian bookshops; or even, if you're particularly perverse, as a musical accompaniment as you browse through back issues of Cross Rhythms and read again about Fono (CR49); Plumb (CR42); Sixpence None The Richer (CR52); Miss Angle (CR44); Scarecrow & Tinmen (CR53); Third Day (CR42); Caedmon's Call (CR41) or Waterdeep (CR56). A quick survey of the Cummings household reveals that daughter Joanna favours the haunting blend of ethereal voice and hip hop-tinged groove of Ginny Owens' "I Wanna Be Moved"; my wife picks out that riveting piece of acoustic rock by Third Day "I've Always Loved You" where Mac Powell demonstrates again that he has the best rock voice in Christendom; I can't get past the infectious opener by Plumb, "Stranded", with that bitter sweet voice of Tiffaney Arbuckle; and son Asher "likes them all". But then, wherever you look and listen, this is wonderfully fresh 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.

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