Reviewed by Tony May

If for some obscure reason you wanted a black gospel album that was totally dispensable and pointless this would be a top contender. Everything about it has been covered countless times before. Take the bill of fare, for example. Bankrupt stock of the "Oh Happy Day", "Joshua And His Flippin' Battle Of Jericho", "Amazing Grace", "Swing Low" and their ilk demand at least an attempt at a fresh approach if they must be trotted out again. Then there are the pseudo-religious songs, eg, "Lean On Me", "Put A Little Love In Your Heart" and "One Love", all creaking and groaning under the weight of having to do it all again. Couple of attempts at Dylan songs do nothing to liven it up. The album seems to be of German origin, don't know who Joan Orleans is but she's very average and the pretend Edwin Hawkins Singers-style choir struggle to no avail. 'Best Of Gospel'? Don't you believe it.

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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