Reviewed by Paul Poulton

As I slotted the CD into the player, I thought expectantly: get ready for punchy, tight playing, exaltant voices with great lead singers, skilful timing and intricate harmonies and inspiring songs that will rip right into my body and touch my inner being. And pretty much that's what I got. "Zion Rejoice" by Faithful Central Church featuring Erika Campbell from Mary Mary takes a simple theme yet makes it compelling for the whole of its five minutes 22 seconds. "Let The Praise Begin" by Fred Hammond & Radical For Christ is a good example of the way gospel choirs can be flexible, the choir taking the balanced part of a duo with the lead vocal and it's funky too. You may have heard Israel Houghton's "You Are Good" (sung here by Lakewood Church) as it's been widely used in churches while many of the other songs here are five or six years old and John P Kee's "Show Up" goes all the way back to 1994. But with such gospel reliables as Hezekiah Walker & LFC, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and Joe Pace & The Colorado Mass Choir that's okay and any of the tracks here have made the final cut because there's something about them that warrants their inclusion.

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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Gotta Have Gospel! Ultimate Choirs is the latest release from the Gold-selling Gotta Have Gospel brand.

This special edition of the popular series features songs from some of the best choirs in the US.

The single disc runs the gamut from classics such as Richard Smallwood’s Total Praise and John P. Kee’s Show Up! to more contemporary songs from
Tye Tribbett (Victory) and Kirk Franklin (Imagine Me).