Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Back in 1973 Bill and Gloria Gaither, pioneers of Nashville praise wrote a praise and worship musical, sorry, a 'corporate worship experience', called 'Alleluia'. Now they've updated it though don't expect songs to now feature rock power chords, or funky bass lines. The updating is strictly for 'insp radio', that aspect of America's religious scene that demands lush, MOR stylings. So for the new orchestrations they've brought in arranger Lari Goss who's a dab hand with the violins, harps et al. The Gaither Chorale do a stirring job on the choruses with various guest vocalists popping up. These are of the highest quality (Cynthia Clawson, Russ Taff, Sandi Patti, George Beverly Shea, Mylon LeFevre and Yolanda Adams). Many of the tracks feature spoken intros, usually Scriptures. Parts are very moving though the approach is so exceedingly American it's hard to imagine this lush inspirational exhortation having the same impact on British religious life.

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