Reviewed by Ian Hayter

This album is the soundtrack to a film I have not seen (other than short clips on the Web). Michael W Smith, of course, stars in the film, about two ministers (one black, one white) and a clash of church cultures, and he also arranged the music for the soundtrack. So this 16 track CD includes four instrumental fillers from the film as well as 12 other cracking songs, which involve a number of CCM and gospel luminaries. The film and album are produced by Steve Taylor, so the pedigree is immaculate. Joining Mr Smith are Atlanta rockers Third Day (with a great version of "Movin' On Up" to open the set) and Andrae Crouch (who duets with Smith on "All In The Serve"). Also guesting are Jars Of Clay, The Blind Boys Of Alabama, Fred Hammond, The Holmes Brothers (singing "Homeless Child" from their wonderful Joan Osborne-produced album 'Speaking In Tongues') and a handful more. As you'd expect, it's great music, with plenty of gospel choir backing and some great rhythms. For me, 'The Second Chance' soundtrack is up there with the Meatloaf and Albertina Walker-led soundtrack from Steve Martin's Leap Of Faith movie gem and has been on my player pretty well constantly since it arrived. Even if you're not a great soundtrack fan, you'll love this.

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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