Reviewed by David Faulkner

"This looks like the list of hymns available at my local crematorium," was my first thought on seeing the track listing. When I realised the CD accompanied an Australian TV programme that made sense: many of the selections are the hymns perceived by the wider world to be the most popular. And this is an exemplary recording. Both the featured choirs perform acappella, reminding us that the organ is a relatively recent addition to church music. Paul Terracini supplies creative arrangements to keep the listener interested in even the most familiar melody. He also writes some excellent biographical notes on the hymnwriters. Best of all, "When I Survey" is the full five, not four-verse version. Most surprisingly, Peter Beveridge, an old friend of Rez Band, is the executive producer. If you love the great hymns, this release comes highly recommended.

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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