Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

It's amazing how many times a dead artist's back catalogue can be re-issued by a record label but here's another compilation. If this is called 'The Ultimate Collection' does that mean Sparrow will promise to never release another one? Keith Green's short recording career spanned five years from 1977-1982; he burned bright, wrote passionate challenging songs and died at the age of 28. Today his music still connects with an audience thirsty for God. If you're new to Christian music, this is an absolutely essential album as it sums up Keith's music in 20 snappy songs! So what if it all sounds a little dated and Keith's vocals are a bit whiny in places? The quality of his songs and the anointing captured on his albums has seldom been bettered in a Christian music scene that these days seems to be more about money and entertainment than life changing ministry. This new collection comes with a fascinating one hour documentary DVD that tells his story and features interviews with his wife Melody, friend Randy Stonehill and even his daughters make a rare appearance in front of camera. It may be enough to entice those who already have all these songs on the many previous compilations. Cunning marketeers those chaps at Sparrow.

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