Reviewed by Stephen Luff

It is a bold thing to call your collection of gospel songs 'The World's Favourite' especially when the statement is not qualified anywhere in the notes! However, this 50-track/three-disc release has a very solid foundation when songs from Andrae Crouch ("My Tribute") sit alongside Tye Tribbert ("He Turned It") and Israel Houghton with the ever popular "Friend Of God". Most of the songs here are live versions and, refreshingly, original album details are included, often omitted on many compilations. There's an impressive list of contributors - Israel Houghton, London Community Gospel Choir, Alvin Slaughter, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Noel Robinson, PAJAM, Smokie Norful, etc, etc - so as usual potential purchasers need to ponder whether their collections already contain many of the tracks selected for this set. But it's good to see that a portion of sales will be supporting the relief and development agency Tearfund and with a good value price the CD sets make a pretty good introduction to modern gospel music if you've only recently come on board.

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.