Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The difficult fact that must be faced with this release is the certainty of its sales success. Such is the nature of a CCM personality cult when married to Nashville marketing muscle at a time when "worship sells" means that this album is bound to become one of the biggest selling CDs in the history of worship music. In truth, hundreds of albums have been released, which are better praise and worship albums than this one. It's okay as far as it goes, Michael recorded live in Lakeland, Florida before a 9,000 audience, with a choir dotted with well known singers (Greg Long, Cindy Morgan, Erin O'Donnell, Ginny Owens, Phillips, Craig & Dean and a certain Amy Grant) plush a lush orchestra. But as Michael runs through some classic songs from the repertoire of Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin, Lenny LeBlanc, Rich Mullins, etc, the performances seem strangely uninvolved. Michael and his wife have written a new song, "Purified", for the project, and there's some breathtaking solo violin work, but for this reviewer, it's too little, too late. An unimaginative project at time, perilously close to worship-by-numbers.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.