Reviewed by Tom Lennie

Take eight of America's foremost CCM vocalists (along with one from Canada and another from Ireland), and get them to collaborate with some top songwriters on a unique worship venture - and there's a good chance you're gonna end up with something pretty listenable. The connecting link to these 10 tracks is that all were co-composed by the disc's producer John Hartley, co-written over the past decade with the likes of Ian White, Chris Eaton, Deri Daugherty, Gary Sadler, etc. The lead vocalists, one per track, include Susan Ashton (two songs), Margaret Becker, Kelly Minter, Michelle Tunes and Moya Brennan. The resulting sounds are meant to convey "an ambient, acoustic, chillout vibe," and they genuinely do hit the mark, although it needs to be said that not all songs are equally strong, and, being tender songs of reverence and reflection, there is an occasional sense of restraint - as if the vocalists don't always quite come into their own. Nevertheless, there's some notable numbers, such as Kate Gustafson - "You Draw Me Into You"; Kendal Payne - "Whisper My Name" and Becki Ryan, with a fine adaptation of Wesley's "And Can It Be". With great production this is an enticing invitation to find rest in the Worship Lounge.

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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