Reviewed by Tom Lennie

If you've ever seen this lady belt out her inspirational gospel ballads on any of the Gaither DVDs or on Christian TV you're not likely to forget her in a hurry. Her powerful baritone vocals are bound to make a lasting impression. She's worked on a variety of solo recordings to date, but is best known for her hybrid of black gospel and Southern gospel sounds. And if that appeals to you, you're gonna love this finely produced set. Some great Christian compositions - many dating from the 1960s and '70s - get Randall's top-notch makeover. Reminiscences of Lena Martell's "One Day At A Time" may make you cringe, but Lynda's is one of the best versions of the Mary John Wilkins/Kris Kristoferson song I've heard. As for lyrically-touching, melodic beauties such as the title track, "Since Jesus Walked By" and "That's What Jesus Means To Me", Lynda performs every one with warm, unhurried, tear-jerking tenderness. The latter song, like a couple others here, was written by promoter Bill Gaither. Elsewhere, a Gloria-penned song gets well smothered in the blues, swathes of harmonica flowing from the lips of harp virtuoso Buddy Greene. A further couple of tracks get the emotive, funked-up treatment, most impressively the hymn "There's Power In The Blood" and the closing all-out gospel "It's All Right". All this goes some way to show the versatility of this talented pastor's wife/mother. Okay, so a certain cheesiness attends some tracks, but they're often matched by a strange appeal. Clearly Ms Randle's old fashioned style won't be everyone's cup of cappuccino. Personally, I'll take a refill any day!

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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