Reviewed by Wayne Gough

If you have been living on another planet for the last 14 years or you are a newcomer to gospel music then there is a lot to be said for this double album; unfortunately if this is not the case you may be left a little disappointed. Don't get me wrong, there are some strong tracks on here. We have the mega crossover hit "Shackles" which was never off the radio a few years back, as well as some notable others from the likes of Yolanda Adams with "The Battle Belongs To The Lord" and the excellent Tri-City Singers who feature twice on this album. Disc one starts with the dynamic and excellent Kirk Franklin, however here is the first surprise - "Brighter Day" is a great song but is it really a bigger Kirk Franklin track than "Stomp", which is one of several gospel hits noticeable by its absence here. All in all a good collection without being great - I would certainly call into question the tag of Greatest Gospel Songs Ever. With over two and a half hours of music on here there is something for everyone but I can't help feeling a chance was missed to really define the last 10 years of gospel music.

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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