Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Was it really back in 2002 that we last enjoyed Helen's husky contralto on her 'My Everything' album? Clearly the absence from the scene of one of gospel's most distinctive singers means that there is room for a compilation of some of her much loved oldies. But there's the rub. Word Records have already released two Baylor compilations - 1999's 'Greatest Hits' and 2008's 'The Definitive Gospel Collection' - and to put out tracks often for a third time with 'The Ultimate Collection' veers perilously close to sharp practice. I suppose if you're new to gospel and you don't have her gems like "Highly Recommended", "Lifting Up The Name Of Jesus" or "The Sea Of Forgetfulness" this compilation might be attractive but in truth like other releases in the Ultimate series it reveals again that Word currently have little idea on how to treat its rich back catalogue. The music is nine squares, the package two, so let's settle for six.

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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