Reviewed by Martin Purnell

Never mind what I think of these CDs, the question is why are they made in the first place? If the answer is, "Well, American parents like to hear little boys and girls sing hymns and choruses hoping that their own kids will pick up on the sentiment and learn accordingly," then fair enough. Culture eh?! If us Brits were given studio time and finances to produce Christian tracks for our kids to learn and enjoy, then churning out hymns and choruses to a so called "modern" (eg, cheaply programmed) setting for six kids to sing in unison, would be as a last resort. ICC have released excellent kids CDs that are both fun to sing and with a decent message to boot. So it can be done. These CDs are okay from a production quality but once you've heard one track, you've heard them all. I'm not alone in my thinking here. I doubt if half of the so called choir, if asked, could actually explain what "Doxology" or "I Will Sing The Mercies Of The Lord" is all about? Do you know what Doxology means? So why not sing songs that are relevant for that particular age group? Incidentally, my favourite hymn of all time is on here and hearing their rendition certainly moved me...to never play it again. I played the CDs in the office which led to an interesting question...If this is the American way of doing things for kids, what will be next in the series? My First Theosaurus CD or Maisy Mouse Explains To Panda The Basic Principles Of The Tribulation? No doubt the producer (who's also the arranger) has a sincere heart for this project. My advice to him though, from another culture, is to see how others do it. We are no longer in the 1970s. Christian music for kids has come a long way...well it has this side of the Atlantic.

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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