Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Despite this compilation's hyperbolic title, chances are if you don't live in the Netherlands you might not even have heard of worship artist Kees Kraayenoord. But such is the quality of material found on this collection, it's a puzzle as to why Kees is not better known in the UK. On the face of things, this seems like a fairly straightforward set of worship tunes but it's the little touches in the production - a stylophone on the fabulous "Wide Open Spaces" here and a supreme hymn-like melody on "Ruler Over All Creation" there - that really make the Mozaiek0318 church pastor's work stand out. The strength of Kraayenoord's output may also be down to who he chooses to keep company with - this particular offering contains collaborations with luminaries such as Graham Kendrick, Cathy Burton, Noel Richards, Tim Hughes, Ben Cantelon and Martin Smith - and this, along with the man's perfect modern worship vocal delivery, makes for an enduring set of praise songs that demand play after play. Lyrically, our man is not afraid to be bold either with the piano-led "God Of The Moon And Stars" explaining that Jesus' love extends to everyone including "pimps, paedophiles and whores" thus showcasing Kraayenoord's willingness to venture where most worship artists would hesitate to tread. Whilst most of the tracks have been culled from previous albums, two previously unreleased songs - "Rise With A Roar" and "Hold On" - are included to round off an impressive shop window display of the work of one of worship music's names to watch.

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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