Reviewed by Chris Tozer

Judging by what you see and what you hear, this recording features a cast of thousands and an audience of 50. In front of a select handful of respectful fans Ray Boltz, the man with the big hair and the loud voice, runs through many of the radio hits that have established him as a Christian MOR man in the States. Since the early '90s Boltz has had that all too rare gift of being able to knock out simple yet compelling lyrics with catchy tunes that are easy on the ear. The results have made him a household name on radio stations from coast to coast. Yet it all began humbly enough when Ray penned "Thank You" in appreciation of his pastor. The song, featured here, was voted Song Of The Year by the Gospel Music Association in 1990 and propelled a somewhat surprised Boltz into the limelight. Here on this DVD recording you will find many of his subsequent altar call hits such as "Watch The Lamb", "The Hammer" and "Feel The Nails". In fact nearly all the songs featured in the hour long concert are drawn from his evangelistic repertoire. Boltz himself was converted at a Christian concert so it's hardly surprising that this 'Concert Of A Lifetime' centres unashamedly on what Christ has done. Even the one moment of diversion has a pretty tough message. "I Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb" looks at a future America where Christians are violently persecuted for their faith. Throughout the show the suave and suited Boltz reflects the image of the consummate professional but directs the applause heavenwards. I would question the wisdom of what amounts to an hour long altar call. Some light relief could have been provided with the inclusion of a song like "Church Hop". Even the supplementary bonus music videos and karaoke selections concentrate on the gospel call. The one piece of glorious light relief is the brilliant comic book graphics of "I Will Tell The World". The film clips incorporated into the concert are needlessly amateurish but I'm sure that Boltz's many fans will consider these as minor blips.

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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