Reviewed by James Howard-Smith

Dressed rather elegantly in green and black, with a beautiful springtime motif, this is an unusually grand-looking compilation from Kingsway - essentially a concept compilation double album, built around the theme of the cross. That sounds pretty wide open for a set of modern worship songs, since it could be said anything that relates Christian experience is concerned with the cross, but this collection stays very precise. Seven of its 28 cuts have the word "Cross" in their title, while others, such as Matt Redman's "Thank You For The Blood" are similarly clear of cause even on the tracklisting. The quality of the material here is top rate, stretching back to Noel Richards' "I Really Want To Worship You My Lord " (now 25 years old), and is filled with as many congregational favourites as its 123 minutes will allow. A reasonable compilation.

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As themes go, it’s hard to find one bigger than this. The cross stands eternal, a sign of suffering and victory, of sacrifice and salvation. And all across this double album the greatest act in the history of man is explored and reflected in a wealth of shades and voices.

From songs that unpack the impact of the Christ’s crucifixion – like Matt Redman’s Nothing But The Blood or Stuart Townend’s How Deep The Father’s Love – to others that retell the story – Jesus You Humbled Yourself by Gareth Robinson, Kendrick’s Meekness and Majesty and Lou Fellingham’s Christ Crucified – these songs offer a perfect soundtrack to bring the listener closer to God.