Reviewed by Tony Cummings

One of the advantages of reviewing an album months (in this case nearly 24 months) after it's released is that the reviewer has plenty of info about its popularity or indifference with The CD Buying Public. And, as all self-respecting gospel fans will know, 'Alive In South Africa' has been a massive hit clocking up a variety of awards for Israel Houghton and co. But sometimes knowing that hundreds of thousands of punters have shelled out the readies for an album just heaps more pressure on the hapless reviewer as he realises he's out-of-step with public taste. And in this case I have to say I find bits of this album utterly unlistenable. Maybe I should quickly add here that I'm a big admirer of what the Latin singer/composer and his soulful ensemble have done in expanding the market for contemporary gospel while at the same time breaking down the confusing division between "gospel music" and "praise and worship". I also like Israel's voice which can be soulfully expressive while the singers and powerhouse band are top quality and as tight as a backstreet church's publicity budget. If that's not enough I also rate Israel's composing ability while I even go for the multi-ethnic, global village thing of taking the whole ensemble off to Cape Town and beginning the album with African drumming. And while I'm handing out the plaudits special guest Jonathan Butler is in fine form too. So what do I have to gripe about? Well, two things, one musical and one theological. Arrangement-wise Israel has clearly decided that the more key changes and false endings he can cram into each song arrangement the better. The effect soon becomes wearisome and though no doubt there are many who felt all the musical embellishments added to the drama, for me it seemed a 2CD exercise in overblown histrionics. The theological problem I had when listening is that some of Israel's songs seem little more than humanistic positive thinking rather than expressions of faithful devotion to the resurrected Christ. But then such subtle theological shifts are one of the ways that a lot of mega churches become mega. As I mentioned earlier, Israel can pen a great song and "Not Forgotten" with its deceptive Crouch-like simplicity is a classic which will minister to all who feel neglected by God. But other songs here, for me at least, are more to do with flashy TV preacher sloganeering than songs that will encourage us to take up our cross and follow Christ. So there we have it. A hard review to write. But a hard album to listen to.

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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