Reviewed by Stephen Luff

Calling a best of collection 'Ultimate' will always ensure that someone's favourite song has been missed off, but this 16 track, 73 minute release does attempt to be comprehensive. Taking its title from the oldest track here, produced and co-written with CCM legend Steven Curtis Chapman, the self-titled album it came from eventually reached Platinum status. It is worth noting their two previous independent releases that were partly instrumental in getting the band signed up to Beach Street Records (part of Reunion) are not represented here. Since then, they have sold in excess of 10 million records, become a constant addition to radio playlists and have visited the UK on several occasions. Contained here are Cross Rhythms favourites "Lifesong" and "Courageous" amongst others, and it is an accurate record of their gentle move to a more mellow style of music over time, but the lyrics of encouragement and faith prevail. The only disappointment is that there is nothing new for the dedicated fan, some unreleased bonus tracks would have been nice!

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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