Reviewed by Chris Webb

Not to be confused with the 'Nine Beats To The Bar' Beatitudes-themed album, this project was conceived and driven forward by former Delirious? lead guitarist Stu G. Songs here were written and performed by a veritable Who's Who of contemporary Christian music acts including Amy Grant, Michael W Smith, Matt Maher, Audrey Assad, Joel Houston, All Sons & Daughters, Jon Mark McMillan and Amanda Cook. The tracks here are reflections on the Beatitudes and subsequent verses in Mathew. Loosely linked with a spoken narrative from Becky Harding, the eclectic mix of musical styles, genres and tempos make this a stimulating listen. Supported throughout by the astonishing guitar ability of Stu G, there is considerable musical diversity here. "Let My Dreams Fly" has a vocal from American Idol contestant Terrian Bass as smooth and clear as polished glass swirling over jazz-influenced guitar and piano with a muted trumpet solo. In complete contrast is "Holy Troublemakers" where Martin Smith leads the charge to challenge the status quo by preaching that Christ is the answer over a driving rock rhythm that could have been Delirious? in their heyday. "Make A Little Trouble" features rap from Propaganda while elsewhere there is country, heavy rock and Beatles-esque pop all handled with ease and love. The message is never lost, each song carefully articulating the love of God and the challenge of the Gospel.

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