Reviewed by Tim Holden

There is something extraordinary that happens to songs when they are arranged for multiple part vocal harmonies and the London Community Gospel Choir have for a long time been very good at just that. Pushing the boat out a bit farther this time, the choir tackle some very well know songs along with some staple gospel standards to produce a well balanced and appealing album that should sell well in both the Christian and the secular market. The album opens with a simple piano line that then rolls behind the beautiful smooth vocal lines as the song builds to the chorus and into the second verse. It is only at this point that the listener realises that they are listening to U2's "One" and that the choir have managed to get all the passion of the original into their trademark smooth vocal lines. The choir tackle a wide range of contemporary music, from Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" to The Temptations "Soul To Soul", with guest vocals from Paul Carrack, and the O'Jays "Now That We Found Love" - all with the depth and colour that only the human voice can give. For those who are now starting to worry that the choir have deserted their roots, the album also offers "When The Saints Go Marching In", "Amazing Grace", "Abide With Me" and "Swing Low Sweet Chariot". The musical accompaniment is never intrusive and always gives a great background for the choir to flex their vocal muscles. This is an album of crossover-appeal music performed by some of the UK's best vocal talents.

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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