Reviewed by Aaron Ferris

Written and performed by a batch of the top names from American CCM singing songs solely on the topic of romantic love. Now to be clear I don't have any particular issue with love songs as such but to be honest if I was browsing through my local music store this isn't an album I'd lift with an 'Oh, this looks promising'. I am pleased to report, however, that my first impressions were short-lived. The album packs quality from Bethany Dillion shining in the catchy title track to the "hope, coffee and melodies" of Robbie Seay Band's uplifting "New Day" all the way to Hawk Nelson's punked up version of "Don't You (Forget About Me)", a cover of the Simple Minds song. The quality continues with Nichole Nordeman, Kutless, Amy Grant and Toby Mac among the high calibre of contributors but it is the inclusion of Sanctus Real's smashing "We Need Each Other" which really swings the album for me. Their powerful song of reconciliation was the standout of their last album. 'Songs Of Love And Friendship' boasts a great variety of styles and big Christian music names to make it something more than a Mother's Day compilation.

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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