Reviewed by Tony May

You have to admit that the sheer professional expertise know how, and mega-budget lavished on these Hosanna! recordings is quite breathtaking and laudable. To produce the sound of a two-thousand strong host of worshippers to such a needle-sharp brilliance is skill indeed though my personal preference is for the rawer, rough-edged sound of, say Springwood Church, Cardiff's 'And He Shall Reign' tape. Don Moen guides proceedings along smoothly though I question the re­peated listening value of the closing evange­listic appeal, the sort of intrusion which though no doubt right on the night becomes an increasingly boring irritant on a recording. Who needs it? Some good new songs on offer, alongside Kendrick's standards "God Is Good" and "God With Us". Familiar ground too with "Ascribe Greatness", and a traditional hymn that still beats the lot for sheer grandeur "It Is Well With My Soul". Solid worship material.

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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