Reviewed by Ian Hayter On the face of it, the Dublin Gospel Choir sounds about as likely an ensemble as the Memphis Celtic Whistle Band, but from their beginnings as a local school choir in Dublin's inner city in the mid 1990s, the choir have become a household name in Ireland, playing concerts, charity gigs and, on one occasion, to an 82,000 crowd at Croke Park. They have worked with some of the music industry legends such as Stevie Wonder, Rod Stewart, Damien Rice and The Chieftains and performed on television with Chris de Burgh. This album celebrates the choir's 10th anniversary with a selection of songs originally recorded by the likes of Labi Siffre ("Something So Strong"), Stevie Wonder ("As"), U2 ("I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For") and Kirk Franklin ("Hosanna" and "Riverside"). There's plenty of energy in the singing and some great backing from the musicians under the leadership of Orla McGowan, but some of the songs seem to lack the passion and intensity of a black gospel choir - or even a bunch of nuns from Sister Act. In short, it's a bit tame. That's not to detract from the talents of the soloists and the harmonies of the choir members, but I never quite got to the point where I wanted to jump up and join in. Worth a listen, but if you want authentic gospel, this still has a little way to go.
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