Reviewed by George Luke

Is it my imagination, or are Christian record companies releasing more compilations than "proper" albums these days? It certainly feels like it! Anyway, I'm sure they serve some purpose.and if you couldn't afford to buy all the best gospel albums of last year, those awfully nice Sony and Integrity people have selected the standout tracks from amongst this year's Stellar Award nominees and put them onto one disc for you. Kanye West's "Jesus Walks" isn't included (surprising, considering the amount of media coverage it earned them), but Israel & New Breed are, along with Lisa McClendon, TD Jakes and the much talked-about blue-eyed gospeller Martha Munizzi. There's also a track from the 'Fighting Temptations' film soundtrack - which I'm sure came out two years ago, but who am I to argue with the Stellar Award organisers? My personal favourite was Bishop Paul S Morton's "On That Day", with Ricky Dillard's funky reworking of "Take Me Back" a close second. The CD also contains three "bonus tracks" - but given that no Christian label makes vinyl records anymore and cassettes have all but vanished, I'd love for someone to explain what makes these a bonus.

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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