Reviewed by Trevor Kirk

A double CD set, including backing trax, guitar charts, OHP masters and video footage of a complete set of hand actions to all of the songs are the main selling points of this album from Vineyard USA, which features Casey Corum and 'Ranger' Bud Reberry from Idaho, Dave Chumchal from Ohio and Cindy Rethmeier from Vineyard HQ in Anaheim, California. I pricked up my ears when the first track "U R The 1 4 Me" (even the title is cool) kicked in with some quite reasonable hip hop, but it soon settled down to the usual level (ie, embarrassing). Of greater concern to me are some songs that peddled the dangerous notion that if you give your life to Jesus all your problems will disappear - beware the lies we tell to our kids. It doesn't help that the CD cover features raspberries, water melon, apples, oranges and strawberries, although the title track does stress the Biblical fruits, love, joy, peace, etc. When will the Americans realise that their ideas about music for kids doesn't cut the mustard anywhere other than their own backyard? UK kids of their target age group (7-12) are far more streetwise than Vineyard realise - thank heavens for Ishmael and Sammy Horner.

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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