Reviewed by Tony Cummings

If by any chance you missed those epic 'God's Great Dance Floor' albums you might want to investigate this compilation of the congregational worship style songs put together for the American church. The first track "Back To The Start" is a stone classic and from that opening refrain with the one-time d:boy poignantly emoting "I'm coming home, back to the start where you found me/I give you my heart again" to the juddering climax where rapid fire percussion and soaring electric guitar take it to the Heavens, this is worship music of the highest creative calibre. There are plenty of other gems here too. "God Is Coming", co-written with Tim Hughes, gets better with every play; the intricate "Song Of Solomon" demonstrates the full interpretive range of Martin's beautifully fragile voice; while the bonus track of "God's Great Dance Floor", featuring Ella and Anna Smith, may not quite have the bombastic drive of Chris Tomlin's version but is still hugely spirit-lifting. I have to say I miss one or two of the songs we Brits got on 'God's Great Dance Floor Step 001' omitted here (like the fine "Safe In Your Arms" and "Soldiers") but there's still plenty to convince our American brothers and sisters of the superlative skills of Mr Smith.

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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