Reviewed by Anthony Longville

This is a reissue of the band's platinum selling debut album from 2003. And it becomes clear right from the opening track to anyone unfamiliar with this band of Atlanta youth workers why this collection of songs proved to be so popular. This is in fact the third incarnation of the self-named album, repackaged as the 'Gift Edition', with a Bonus DVD. Two of my fellow reviewers have already reviewed the previous two issues and given a resounding 10 square endorsement. And had I reviewed in their stead I suspect I would have done the same. But I have to admit being somewhat bemused by an album only four years old being in its third version. So why another one? The DVD is a collection of video performances and interviews and testimony. As a general observation there is too much talking and not enough music on view. There's a bit of band history, and the background is explained to a number of songs. Lead singer Mark Hall presents, in the context of this DVD, an overlong testimony. I keep wanting the band to play. It is interesting to hear how Hall has overcome dyslexia and ADD and is being used by God in a wonderful way. Having said that I can't help feeling that the way he pokes fun at ADD could be an obstacle for anyone still suffering with the condition. Of the two music videos, one of them 'American Dream' could also be seen on the dual disc reissue, so the only new video here is "Who Am I?". A bit baffling.

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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