Reviewed by Tony Cummings

This two CD compilation is a useful snapshot of the CCM hitmaker containing as it does popular tracks from a swathe of his albums - 1989's 'More To This Life', 1990's 'For The Sake Of The Call', 1992's 'The Great Adventure', 1994's 'Heaven In The Real World', 1996's 'Signs Of Life', 1997's 'Greatest Hits, 1999's 'Speechless', 2003's 'All About Love', 2003's 'Declaration', 2007's 'This Moment', 2011's 'Re.Creation' and 2013's 'The Glorious Unfolding'. Standouts are "Magnificent Obsession" and "Free" though reflecting as this does the rather conservative playlist policies of American Christian radio 'The Ultimate Collection' doesn't contain Cross Rhythms turntable hits like "You Are Being Loved", "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" and "Treasure Of You". Be that as it may, Chapman's songwriting craft and warm vocals and top production from people like Brown Bannister, Phil Naish and Matt Bronleewe still make this a collection of polished Nashville CCM with plenty of spiritual uplift in the lyrics too.

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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