Reviewed by Jonathan Priday

When a church contains such leading lights as Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Russ Taff and others it's no surprise that it decides to produce its own series of praise albums. So Belmont Church, Nashville has launched 'Voices Of Praise' but I'm afraid it's an experiment which, for me at least, does not work.  It fails to capture an atmosphere of worship by using overcomplicated arrangments — try singing in 5/4. It doesn't work as an album of songs either due to some below par vocal performances — even MWS isn't up to his best.  Familia tracks like Keith Green's "You Are The One" and Rich Mullin's "Awesome God" don't have justice done to them.  Of the new songs only the title track stands out.  Despite being narrated the album seems to lack direction and disappears in a sea of rambling musical interludes.  Definitely a case of — "should have done better!"

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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