Reviewed by Paul Kerslake

Inspired is a series from ICC that focuses on taking well known and new worship songs, rearranging them acoustically so they are suitable for small groups. This package contains the three volumes of Inspired albums which have already been reviewed separately on the Cross Rhythms website with the fourth CD in the box being subtitled, rather appropriately, 'Worship Songs You May Have Missed'. What makes the bonus disc pretty confusing is that unlike the original three volumes which featured a small team of UK musicians/singers including ICC boss Phil Loose on piano and vocalists such as Cathy Burton, Nicki Rogers and Julie Costello, the new volume is made up of material from previously released albums. So we have "Days Of Elijah" by Robin Mark, "Oh Lead Me" from Delirious? and "There Is A Louder Shout To Come" by Matt Redman interspersed with possibly lesser known songs from Eoghin Heaslip, Leigh Barnard and Danny Cope. While it could be argued that is unlikely you have missed some of the better known songs on the album, they fit well into the ethos of inspired with its acoustic/small group worship. All of the recordings are exceptional and inspiring, and it's good to hear some of these songs and recordings again. Despite the confusing decision to package a various artists album with the albums of original recordings in the Inspired series this is still a really useful resource that pulls out some lesser known songs and gives fresh inspiration and ideas for worship.

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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