Reviewed by Jennifer Brooker

Billed as "a collection of the finest female Christian artists", 'Joy' is actually a selection of some of the USA's finest.  This is an impressive line-up of artists: Shirley Caesar, Sandi Patti, Point Of Grace, Jaci Velasquez, Darlene Zschech, etc, etc.  Most tracks come from albums which have rated eight to nine squares in Cross Rhythms reviews over the last two-three years; and, with an impressive range of styles, from trad gospel to holy Spice Girls-style, all celebrating the life-giving power of God, this album could hardly fail "to equip women with the tools they need to grow in relationship with God and others", could it?  Unfortunately, it does!  With one notable exception, the artists do not give us either musically, or in terms of the lyrics, the best off their hit albums.  The exception is Jaci Velasquez with "Flower In The Rain", penned by Chris Eaton, which characteristically explores God engaging with the vulnerable soul.  Songs and performances of this quality make it even more annoying that the disc is less than generously filled.

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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