Reviewed by Isaac Poulton

If you're a long-time devotee of gospel quartets you'll know that their golden age was the '50s and that even today a few of the veteran groups like the Mighty Clouds Of Joy, Blind Boys Of Alabama and The Dixie Hummingbirds are still out there singing and having church. This compilation, despite its name, only has some genuine tracks by quartets (such as God's Chosen Ones and Lil' Ricky & The Mighty Gospel Stars) with other tracks being by soloists and even a girl group! Whatever the vagaries of branding, the acts here certainly know how to handle a song, with intertwining melodies and well-timed backing vocals. "Don't Throw In The Towel" by Paul Porter is an interesting track, with instruments that have a very '90s feel and dynamics that fluctuate consistently on almost every bar, creating an ebb and a flow to the music. The song by God's Chosen Ones ("Jesus Done Blowed My Mind") and the piece from Doc McKenzie And The Hi-Lites - who are soon to have their 47th anniversary - are particularly tight, with the instruments being astoundingly clear. I had to chuckle when I heard "Everybody Saw Me When I Fell" by Min Febe And The Chosen Ones; the intro sounds exactly like something played on a cheap midi-keyboard. But somehow it works. That pretty much sums up the album; a bit dated, a little slipshod but with plenty of gospel charm.

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.