Reviewed by Andy Cooper

The front cover says "15 Worship Favourites". That's misleading. The back cover says "...the best and latest in modern worship sung in churches across the country". I don't believe it. Aside from that, it's not a bad collection. Mostly the songs have worshipful content, but very few of them would be suitable for congregational singing. Rather, you should think of this CD as a way to discover new music and artists to spice up your private devotions or boost your worshipful lifestyle, with a view to purchasing a proper album from one or more of them later. Shame it starts with the flattening of a good song: Jeremy Camp fails to show much passion with Tim Hughes' "Beautiful One", but thankfully Casting Crowns immediately make up for it, with MercyMe following on with the cracking "Here With Me". Vicky Beeching adds something more delicate and Chris Tomlin continues the quality. It was great to discover new talent from the Robbie Seay Band and to hear Audio Adrenaline sounding better than I ever remembered. Britain's Tim Hughes and Matt Redman also get their three minutes, but they certainly have increasing competition from the new emerging young Americans. Check this out to find your preference.

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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