Reviewed by Stephen Luff

The five times Grammy Award winning group originally formed in the 1930s return with an unlikely sounding concept where the gospel veterans team up with some of today's leading country music stars. Does it work? Well, there are great moments here. The opener title track (with the Oak Ridge Boys) is classic BBOA vocals although the opening breathless lines are difficult to listen to! I also loved the wonderfully funky "Jesus, Hold My Hand" which will get those feet moving in seconds. The Muddy Waters song "Why Don't You Live So God Can Use You" is a superb gospel blues marriage. However some tracks I expected great things from, came over more like a gimmick, like "I Saw The Light" with Hank Williams and "Family Bible" with vocals from Willie Nelson. I did enjoy the vocal collaborations with Vince Gill ("Can You Give Me A Drink?") and Lee Ann Womack ("I Was A Burden"), but these were when BBOA were allowed to do what they do best on the track, delivering gospel harmonies with an edge. Overall this is not a classic album but a nod to greatness.

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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