Reviewed by Peter Dilley

If ever there was truth in the saying "you can please some people some of the time, but not all the people all of the time", it would certainly apply here. Assembled under the House Of Worship banner are four disparate volumes, and one can imagine some family squabbles about which CD makes it onto the hi-fi or the in-car stereo. Or is the intention that everyone simply grabs the disc that appeals most, before going their separate ways or donning headphones? Those acquainted with music from Ireland's Mandate conferences will recognise their confident male renditions of standards such as "In Christ Alone" and "Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus", with Stuart Townend and Robin Mark giving the lead. On CD2, Geraldine Latty and others are to be heard at Mandate's female counterpart Focusfest, with some slightly shrill versions of "Praise Him You Heavens", "Days Of Elijah" and "Thank You For Saving Me". The "youth" CD brings a diverse selection from the Survivor Records and the Emerge series back catalogues, with Vicky Beeching's "Yesterday, Today And Forever" and "I Won't Let The Rocks Cry Out" from Onehundredhours standing out most. CD4 actually seems less "congregational" than either of the first two CDs. Only the new Christmas hymn "Joy Has Dawned", "Love Divine" and unaccompanied finale "There Is A Redeemer" have a conventional corporate flavour, with tracks like "I Will Never Be The Same" and Gareth Robinson's drawling "Good And Gracious" sounding more like worship leader solos. Some stirring worship, but a flawed bit of packaging.

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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