Reviewed by Stella Redburn

He is loved for his personality and good humour and respected for his abilities so it's not surprising to find this latest album by Harry Secombe eminently joyful, vital and professional. Back in 1983 an original contract for six shows for the TV programme Highway turned into a further 356 episodes and since then, Sir Harry has been besieged by letters requesting particular songs. This album is his answer to the fan mail: 18 'best loved' hymns from his repertoire. Absolutely wonderful for a good sing along, the words are given but you'll know them anyway. The famous tenor voice has worn well although sounding a little strained sometimes but what I like is the unaffected quality of his singing. There are no exaggerated vowel sounds and he even manages to make "All Things Bright And Beautiful" sound like a good sing without being twee. There's a 24 piece orchestra adding those essential twiddly bits and I think Sir Harry's admirers will make this a sure-fire success.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.