Reviewed by Dave Brassington

Every so often an album comes along that totally blows you away and for me, this is one of those! Why does it hit the spot? Well, firstly, not long ago labels would never have cooperated to the extent that they have with this gospel release by letting some of their major artists be recorded for a compilation such as this. These are actual live recordings, not one of those studio takes with dubbed applause, and the biggest plus is that there is not a duff track on it, all the 12 recordings are top quality featuring a variety of Grand Ole Opry stars new and old. The album starts brightly with The Charlie Daniels Band teaming up with Mac Powell of Third Day on the old favourite "I'll Fly Away". Country superstar Alan Jackson then gives us "Blessed Assurance" which he recently recorded on his memorable gospel album. Ronnie Milsap then takes me completely by surprise. His rendition of the old Thomas Dorsey-penned "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" brings something fresh and memorable to the black gospel classic. I just loved "Family Bible" by Ricky Scaggs and The Whites. The Vince Gill track "Give Me Jesus" is the only song on the album I have never heard before and it is really moving. Two of country music's current stars round out this fabulous album when Dierks Bentley sings the old Hank Williams classic "A House Of Gold" and Carrie Underwood does a superb version of "How Great Thou Art". To conclude, if I had to choose only a few gospel albums to take to a desert island this would be one of them. Absolutely outstanding.

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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