Reviewed by Tony Cummings

In case you didn't know, Pat Boone was a massive star in the '50s gaining his first success by recording anaemic cover versions of rhythms and blues hits for the white pop market before going on to be a moms and dads favourite with his smooth balladry. He also recorded for Dot Records numerous albums of hymns and these are now cropping up on various compilations. Now here's where it gets weird! In 2008 this 24 track compilation was put together and subsequently released to UK Christian retail by Authentic Music. We can only assume that the company quickly forgot about that release because earlier this year they issued the Boone compilation 'My God Is Real' which has the first 16 songs from 'Sweet Hour Of Prayer'! If you want the oldie crooning with gusto such evergreens as "Just A Closer Walk With Thee", "It Is No Secret", "Softly And Tenderly" and (from the "additional" tracks) "Jesus, Lover Of My Soul" and "Amazing Grace" you might want this album though in truth Pat's renditions are limp and feature hugely dated arrangements.

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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