Reviewed by Tom Gould

There is a tendency for live worship albums to fall into one of two categories; those pushing forward the boundaries of CCM through innovative songs/arrangements, and those which act as a reminder to the people who were in attendance. 'Called To Multiply' falls within the boundaries of the latter. The songs fulfil the criteria of leading people into worship, but fail to stand alone as a collection of songs you would want to play constantly. This is partially due to an arrangement style which fails to allow any level of subtlety to flow from the music, and a rather flat production (ie, over compressed) seemingly dictated by the acoustic limitations of the room. Despite these limitations, it is not by any means a bad album, it's market lies with those who prefer MOR rock mixed with a bit of country gospel and the obligatory Jewish song. It soon becomes obvious that this album is recorded in the UK when the congregation clap along, they get it right in the country and the Jewish songs, but when the songs go up-tempo it's a free-for-all. Why can't British congregations clap on one and three? The rest of the world can doit!

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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