Reviewed by Sammy Horner

20 classic gospel tunes sung by the likes of the Dixie Hummingbirds, the Landfordaires and of course Mahalia Jackson. It's amazing when you hear "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" or "Git On Board Little Chillin'" sung by these gospel giants. Usually, these great songs of simple truth are murdered around summer camp fires by a bunch of kids who couldn't care less and a leader who plays an out of tune guitar even worse. Chilling, isn't it? Here, however, the songs are given both the treatment and the respect they deserve and the result is both moving and uplifting. Jackson shows why she is regarded as possibly the best gospel singer ever with her powerful renditions of "Didn't It Rain" and "My God Is Real". The recording quality occasionally lets some tracks down, but that's a quibble coming from ears that are used to digitally squeaky clean offerings. Just goes to show that mainstream companies aren't bothered about putting out music that speaks of God.especially when it's this good.

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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