Reviewed by Peter Bate

It's hard to dig out a dud from these 34 songs which suggests Christian rock Stateside is in rude health. Much of the material falls into two categories. There's the rap/hardcore element, with Pillar, Thousand Foot Krutch and Pax 217 queuing up to fill P.O.D.'s boots to good effect. Then there's the skater punk/Blink 182 brigade with a roll call of Relient K, Slick Shoes and MxPx, whose "Punk Rawk Show" verges on parody. So The Elms' garage rock 'n' roller "Speaking In Tongues" is a welcome diversion, along with sole hip-hop track "It's Going Down" by the stellar Cross Movement. The compiler's definition of alternative will be too narrow for art-rock fans who are hardly appeased by Starflyer 59's Bowie-influenced "Loved Ones" which sneaks in as a bonus track. And Switchfoot's 2000 track "You Already Take Me There", (why not anything from this year's 'The Beautiful Letdown'?), could lead Trading Standards to dispute the 'X 2003' tag. Still, quality control is high with heavyweight names including Audio Adrenaline, Newsboys, TobyMac, Tait and Delirious? ("Fire") contributing strong cuts. A comprehensive introduction to righteous rock - but a few more surprises next time please.

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