Reviewed by David Faulkner

Compilation CDs tend to be diverse and eclectic. Like old episodes of Top Of The Pops, you may not like everything but in a few minutes something else will come along that you do enjoy. This CD, though, is rather more uniform. All the acts introduced here in one form or another produce highly commercial pop. It sounds made for that invention of the American religious sub-culture, Christian hit radio. It kicks off with noisy rock-pop from Abandon and moves to the Duffy-like Dara MacLean. Patrick Ryan Clark and Andy Cherry both present typical anthemic modern worship. Lindsay McCaul and Jessa Anderson may both start quiet, but they too crank it up. In the end it was hard to notice enough distinctives between the different acts. Individual tracks taken in isolation were fine, but the overall relentless effect became rather wearying on my middle-aged ears. Like the radio, I needed a DJ or some jingles to break it up, yet my children would love it. If you like hook-heavy high-tempo pop, need a clear Christian slant in the lyrics and want an idea of what's out there, then this CD will suit you fine.

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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