Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Back in the early '80s the Chapel Lane studios in Herefordshire opened for business with a state of the art production facility and the launch of a record label. They signed up a fantastic talented roster of artists, launched with a huge gig at The Albert Hall to much fanfare and released some of the best sounding albums of the era. This compilation brings you some of the highlights of the catalogue from Bryn Haworth, Norman Barratt band, Liberation Suite and Alwyn Wall. They also signed Charlene to a Christian music deal after she's topped the charts with an old song "Never Been To Me" and her song "Rise Up" is contained here. There's also a synth pop band called Collision and their track here "Royal Rendezvous" is very likeable. The two standout tracks and the reason for anybody to buy it at the time were a couple of tracks left off popular albums at the time. There's the lengthy blues workout from Norman Barratt "My Father's House" which was a live favourite. And then there's the soulful "Susanne" from Mark Williamson Band which opens side two of the album. Williamson is on top form vocally. This is a good celebration of Chapel Lane's brave attempt to lead British Christian music into a new era. It's a shame that the label couldn't continue the momentum of its original impact.

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.