Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Just what the world really needs, a re-recording of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's '70 Superstar fiasco. Two problems. Firstly, this is cheesy music. Secondly, it's a cynical "trendy" interpretation of the life of Christ. Let's deal with the music. Okay, so production-wise this has a cleaner production sound and bigger budget than the original recorded version. If you like Lloyd Webber's glossy tinkly but totally vacuous show tunes and a night out at one of his shows in the West End is your idea of a good time then this might appeal but considering the original version of this album had Deep Purple's Ian Gillan as Jesus, any new attempt is pale by comparison! So to theology. The Jesus portrayed here is under pressure and where does he turn? Nope, no quiet nights communing with his father (until Gethsemane), this Jesus seems to prefer the company of Mary. Jesus is portrayed more as some sort of sensational social phenomenon under pressure from the crowds rather than moving with compassion. There are enough spurious theories going the rounds trying to persuade the general public that Jesus was just a guy, wasn't resurrected from the dead, could have been a spaceman, was just a politician, magician, good talker, great philosopher but only Lloyd Webber and Rice have managed to peddle similar trash and get people singing it! Most offensive of all..NO RESURRECTION! Listen people, how can you tell the story of Christ and finish it with laying the body in the tomb? C'mon guys! Joe and Josephine Public yet again fall for a wrong view of Jesus. As for me, this insidious pap is going straight in the bin! Do not buy this rubbish and don't see the show!

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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