Reviewed by Brendan O'Regan

The best children's albums have lots to say to adults as well and many of the tracks on this album indeed have all age appeal. The songs are well performed, there's an pleasing balance between adult and children's voices and production by Gareth Matthews and John Murphy is very good. The collection gets off to a lively start with John Murphy singing "Carry The Light" an uptempo song of praise with an important message - "Your love's more strong than all my fear." Amy Greed's fine vocals enhance "Go", a simple song with an insistent beat that drives the social justice message on. Some songs are more specifically aimed at the very young, "The Wiggle Song" sung by John Murphy being the most obvious example. Likewise "Kids Of The Kingdom", but this one could become a youth anthem given the right exposure. One of the most striking songs is "Hiya Dad", a semi-rap number performed by Brooke and Ethan Matthews that explores the "Abba Father" idea, complete with telephone sound effect. "Benediction", sung by young Hannah Shehu, makes a perfect last song for the collection - "May the Lord bless us and keep us."

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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