Reviewed by Chris Tozer

Titles can be deceptive. No, this is not the CLC bookstore chain/distribution company, but a certain Christian Life Centre in Stockton, California. Even the singing is deceptive - they're no more a black gospel choir than the Swedish Choralema were back in 1973. The cover photo shows that most of the kids are white. Neither is it all typical choir material - both the musical styles and the instruments used are very much rooted in 1992. Rapping is particularly used to ensure lyric clarity in crucial places. So this is no run-of-the-mill black gospel choir album. True, there are the predictable elements - a traditional spiritual, an Edwin Hawkins song and the generally simplistic lyrics. Yet, there are some refreshingly original words about "Powerless Religion" and the San Andreas Fault line amongst the best. Worth looking for.

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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