Reviewed by Tom Lennie

Gospel Dream is a US talent competition featured on Christian TV stations around the world. Contestants from all over America converge upon the same stage to air a favourite "gospel" song and hopefully win the comp. This compilation album features the highlights of the fledgling show. Songs tend not to be in the "gospel" genre as understood by CR enthusiasts, rather more in the inspirational/pop category. Winner of Gospel Dream 2005 was a certain Brian Smith, who has since released his debut solo recording. He stars here with two songs - including his winning "Love Like Rain" - a fine song with a catchy hook line. Whether any of the other artists featured here, such as Kimberly Lowery, Kristina Higgins, Joshua Woods and Katrina Stone, will make it any further remains to be seen but as nearly all the material here are cover versions (Israel Houghton, Nichole Nordeman, Matt Redman, etc) that's pretty hard to judge. For hardcore fans of the TV series only.

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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