Reviewed by Russell Rook

A minister once assured me that "cynicism is never productive". It is with these words ringing in my ears that I search for productive responses to this video. The undoubted talent of the musicians involved in this international worship collaboration is beyond question. Laboriel, Acuna and Almario dish up a truly world class display of sound and technique however, search as I might, much of my appreciation for the work dissipates at this point. The video seems to fall well short of most of its claims. The blend of "township rhythms and American worship ballad" is no more than a disappointing, diluted version of 'Gracelands' with the only real adventure being the reappearance of songs in different languages. Such a performance-oriented evening seems to contradict many of the principles of worship, with leader Tom Inglis limited to a few shouted prayers and exhortations. The unified, but mainly white, South African congregation are far more prepared to raise their hands than they are to join in with the actual worship during the event. The Drakensberg Boys' Choir (spelt wrong on the album cover) is a highlight of the contrived and shows off video editing that is at best unoriginal and at worst amateur. The whole event fails to make use of the quality of the musical force featured and sadly once more asks the bigger question, can videos of worship really work? 'We Are One' should have been left on the CD shelf.

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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