Reviewed by Brendan O'Regan

Albums with titles like 'Summer Hits' usually feature music from acts like the Beach Boys, KC, etc but this compilation album offers a set of chirpy, upbeat songs, ideal for summer listening. There's no dark night of the soul here, no complex theology, little to draw in the non-believer. But those happy in their faith will find lots of good stuff here with memorable melodies, good production values (even on the live tracks) and maybe an anthem or two you might want to sing in your church. There's much reference to singing and dancing ("Sing Sing Sing", "Get Up On Your Feet") and some of the tracks are from children's 'Kids Praise' albums (eg, "A New Hallelujah"). The big problem with the music here is that concentrating on jangly guitar uptempo songs means that too many sound similar. Another minus is the inadequate sleeve information. After much research we can reveal what the sleeve doesn't, that the artists here include Neil Wilson, Vicky Beeching, Martyn Layzell, Luke Finch, Ben Jones and John Mongan and the fact that this isn't indicated properly on the sleeve is very sloppy.

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.

Bright songs for a long hot summer.

Shine is about the feel-good factor. An album designed to tune-in to those summer vibes, it features songs to invoke a sense of warmth and contentment, not just through a hazy summer's day but through the knowledge of intimacy and the warmth of walking daily in step with our creator God.

Send out a positive vibe this year, tune in with the Saviour of the world and still through the summer playlist with an eternal air.