Reviewed by Stephen Luff

There is no way around the fact that since singing with Union Station in the late '80s, the lady with the unbelievable sweet velvety voice, has become a country and bluegrass legend! To date she has 26 Grammy Awards and was named number 12 in the Greatest Women In Country by Country Music Television in 2002. So does this 'Essential. . .' album have bad tracks on it? No, but it has glaring omissions. For starters, readers of this review are likely to be looking for songs with a Christian message. Well, the beautiful "A Living Prayer" is included taken from one of her best albums 'Lonely Runs Both Ways' but that is it. Where are tracks from 'I Know Who Holds Tomorrow' from 1994 (sung with the Cox Family), or her track from the album inspired by the film The Prince Of Egypt? Also more tracks from the amazing 'Forget About It' album would be welcome, only ever so gentle "Empty Hearts" is included here. However, there are outstanding songs of life and love (some delivered live), which Alison delivers with such emotion, that every single word deliverers a heartfelt message. Also, lets not forget Union Station who delivers the goods in HGV talent style - if you like a good helping of banjo, check out Ron Block, on "Every Time You Say Goodbye"! So in summary, great songs from a great artist. But it should only be volume 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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