Reviewed by Dave Brassington

Becoming a five piece ensemble had seemed to have breathed new life into this veteran group, but listening to this new CD, sad to say, not only was I disappointed, but it gave me the distinct impression they may have run out of steam! I hope I am wrong, but truthfully there was nothing that really grabbed me listening to a bevy of well known hymns such as "The Old Rugged Cross" and the country gospel favourite "I'll Fly Away". They have all been recorded countless times, and I have to say there would be better versions elsewhere of many of the classic titles found here. Two exceptions are "Amazing Grace" which is arranged using major and minor keys for individual verses, resulting in a very thoughtful version, and a song I was not familiar with, "Redeemed", where the hugely talented David Phelps is let loose. Despite this set featuring possibly the Gaithers' most gifted lineup - Phelps, Michael English, Mark Lowry, Wes Hampton and of course, the patriarch himself, Bill Gaither - this is in truth a lacklustre set.

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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