Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Volume 41! The very idea of such a marathon album series is prone to get Cross Rhythms reviewers dipping into their Book Of Reviewers' Clichés for phrases like "production line praise". But wait, you can't judge a CD by its cover. And this is every bit as invigorating and as fresh and as some of the albums emanating from the currently hip British worship scene. For that we have to thank worship leaders and songwriters Casey Corum and Sheri Keller about whom I know nothing but can report are both excellent. Recorded live at the Vineyard Christian Fellowship, Boise, Idaho this has little in the way of crowd atmosphere and, thankfully, none of the OTT spoken hectoring that has spoilt many a live worship album. Just excellent pop rock arrangements, a tight band and great songs. Two particularly caught my ears and blessed my spirit: New Song is an infectious praise romp where the bluesy edge of Sheri Keller s voice perfectly catches the joyful thrust of the chorus (You've given my heart a new song/And my heart can t be silent anymore/For I am not afraid to do your will Lord/Cause to live is Christ; to die is gain.). The second stone killer and my vote as one of the best worship ballads of the year is Nothing Else Matters. Penned by Scott Underwood, it perfectly captures the truth that in a world crammed with a multitude of pleasures and distractions only Jesus can satisfy the human heart. Tenderly sung by Casey Corum with the most understated of accompaniments it is breathtakingly Christ centred. I'm already using Nothing Else Matters in worship at my church. I suspect I won t be the only one.

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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