Reviewed by Joy Attmore

The Vertical Church Band, who are affiliated with Harvest Bible Chapel in Chicago, have gathered together for the third time to create this wonderful church resource of live worship songs. This diverse group, made up of a variety of worship leaders from across the city, results in an eclectic sound, only strengthened by the differences. The final song on the album, "Bound For Glory" is a toe-tapping, dosey doe-ing number, perfect for a jig in your living room or to have a whole church congregation on their feet and dancing. Tara Rios brings a definite highlight to the album with her song "Restore My Soul" which includes a piano melody that sounds exactly like "The Wonderful Cross". Lyrically however this is purely original work and is a beautiful song taking the listener into a worshipful encounter. A unique element to 'Church Songs' comes with track five where Andi Rozier reads the whole of Psalm 96 to the backdrop of atmospheric keys followed by singing the bridge to the song that follows, "It's Who You Are". Inspiring stuff.

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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