Reviewed by Chris Rolinson

I will admit to feeling rather peeved that Hosanna! Music do not credit the superb musos who contribute to their albums. From orchestral arrangements through to drums, the musicianship is consistently first-class. It's a pity then that not all their songs aspire to the same lofty peaks. Hosanna! albums can leave you feeling that you've listened to a great worship album, except that you can't remember one song from the next! And how some of those trite "jargonese" comments from the worship leader get in the way sometimes! However, Hosanna! Music are to be applauded for their brave attempts to give a "live" feel to worship recordings. On some of their albums, it works very successfully. "Glorify Thy Name" and "Lamb Of God" spring especially to mind. I personally feel that all their albums would benefit from the inclusion of more widely known and familiar material. That way, the new songs would be more fresh in context of the whole. "Live" albums are really NOT the place to showcase all new material, more an experience to be entered into. To do that, you really need more songs that everybody knows. So what of 'Mighty God'? Well, it tends to fall into the traps I've just outlined and that really is a shame, since some of the newer songs are quite good. Don't misunderstand me, this tape contains some really moving moments (notably "Praise Him", which is integrated imaginatively and sensitively into the warp and woof of side one) and will undoubtedly minister to many who will listen to it. But I'm not wholly convinced that this album knows quite what it is supposed to be, and that is sad, because it very, very nearly comes off. 10 squares for the musicians, whoever you are!

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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