Reviewed by Kwaku

Whilst the 32 tracks spread across two CDs here have a good proportion of contemporary, R&B-laced gospel cuts, powerhouse vocalist Shirley Caesar dominates one of the standout cuts with the traditionalist-friendly "Strong Man". There's lots of good ole church choirs with either rousing, testifying songs appealing equally to the soul and feet, such as John P Kee's New Life Community Choir, Dottie Peoples, Dallas Fort Worth Mass Choir, Hezekiah Walker And The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir, and New Direction, who offer the very disco-ish "Lighthouse", whilst on the mellow, reflective tip appealing to the ear and soul, there's the likes of Joe Pace And The Colorado Mass Choir with "We Worship You". Soulful moments are provided by Vickie Winans' "Safe In His Arms", Kirn Burrell's "I Come To You More Than I Give" and Tonex's "Real With IT. The groovy cuts include Helen Baylor"s uplifting "Awesome God"; plus rap-laced cuts like "Never Seen The Righteous" by The Tri-City Singers, "Who Do You Love" by Winans Phase 2, which dips into Bernard Wright's eponymous chorus, and "Goodtime" by Brent Jones And The TP Mobb, which should effortlessly also appeal to secular R&B and rap fans too.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.