Reviewed by Charlotte Attlee

Musically inspired by West African rhythm, black gospel, blues and spirituals, this all-woman acapella group remain firmly committed to the struggle for equality that has singled them out for the attention of feminists, political radicals and music fans the world over. Christians too will find plenty of food for thought in this "Best Of" compilation that gives the oppressed of the world a voice. Songs range in subject matter from the imprisonment of a raped black woman in the jazzy "|o-Ann Little" to the chilling parallels in the struggles against aggression around the world in "Chile Your Waters Run Red Through Soweto". Included in the album is a rich version of "Waters of Babylon (Rivers of Babylon)" to show us what they can achieve in close gospel style harmony, and a haunting, traditional style "Stranger Blues".   Perhaps "Ella's Song",  written by founder member Bernice Johnson Reagon, captures the spirit of the group best:   "We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes ...   I'm a woman who speaks in a  voice and I must be heard".  Excellent acapella and radical politics — an explosive combination.

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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