Reviewed by Pete Townsend

The legacy that was Rich Mullins is superbly represented here with a three CD collection reminding us just what a talented writer and composer he was. The three albums, 'Rich Mullins' (1986), 'The World As Best I Remember It Vol 1' (1991) and 'The World As Best I Remember It Vol 2' (1992), provide much more than an introduction into the rich legacy of the late singer/songwriter. The tracks give us not only an insight into Mullins himself but also an offbeat glimpse of God in all his dazzlingly diverse dealings with mankind. Songs like "Growing Young", "The Maker Of Noses', and "Both Feet On The Ground" deal with issues from a perspective that was both fresh and challenging. Being taught to play hymns in four-part harmony at a very early age by his great-grandmother coupled with his Quaker background gave this most inventive of songsmiths an approach to his art that set him apart. As each tune wraps its melodies around your aural receptors, the lyrics nudge you out of your comfort zone and into a place where you have to consciously listen, think and do something. The songs of Rich Mullins are not your run-of-the-mill tunes that merge with the wallpaper but finely drawn observations between our frail humanity and God's infinite love with a mixture of accompaniments from crisp pop rock to Americana driven by delightful hammered dulcimer these recordings have enough classics to make the purchase of this budget line compilation absolutely necessary if you're looking for songwriting craft wedded to spiritual insight.

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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• Rich Mullins
  
• The World As Best I Remember It
  
• The World As Best I Remember It Vol 2