Reviewed by Paddy Hudspith

This now-annual rock and hard music equivalent of the WOW Worship series delivers its latest set. 'X Worship 2007' showcases 16 tracks by a wide range of artists, from the established likes of Relient K and David Crowder Band to newer acts such as Future Of Forestry (great name) and brand new This Beautiful Republic whose contribution here actually preceded the release of their debut album. All these artists fall somewhere within the exceptionally broad spectrum of music that is currently categorised as "rock" and an exciting diversity of sounds and styles are brought together here. There's piano-led pop (Falling Up), sing-along stadium rock (Kutless), melodic metal (Demon Hunter), proto-goth doom (Underoath) and even a retro-modern banjo/synth workout on an "anonymous folk hymn from 1616" called "Our Happy Home"; yes, David Crowder Band, what were you thinking?! However, and perhaps surprisingly, Delirious?, with the Matt Redman co-penned "Now Is The Time" from 'The Mission Bell', easily avoid sounding out of touch in the company of younger pretenders; indeed their potent influence on the rock worship genre is evidenced here by, most obviously, a cover version of "Obsession" courtesy of Edison Glass. Other big names seem to have "inspired" other contributions too: I can hear a touch of Coldplay in "All I Want" by Future Of Forestry, Bono and co would no doubt be flattered by the U2-esque Starfield's "Obsession" (no, not the Martin Smith one this time!), and there's plenty of Nickelback gruffness in Seventh Day Slumber's track "Oceans From The Rain". In fact, the one song standing out from the pack for its originality is new boys This Beautiful Republic's "Cloud Cover" which plays with loud/soft dynamics and tempo changes to build to an effectively powerful conclusion. My favourite however is the quirky Sanctus Real number "Eloquent", a testament to God's delight in us, new every morning ("Like it's the first time that you've ever seen my face") even though most days we're about as "eloquent as an elephant"!

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.