Reviewed by Mark Tiddy

Recently EMI CMG have released a whole variety of 'Ultimate Collections' from various artists which are effectively greatest hits CDs from some of today's most well known Christian artists. The latest band to be showcased in the series are the Orange County favourites. The OCs are very much ska-punk in their style, a genre often underrated but made well known by bands such as Reel Big Fish and Less Than Jake in the secular world. I would say that although the album has the happy, bouncy feel associated with ska-punk, the Supertones let this genre down slightly, songs often being left with an empty feel. Lyrically the OCs are seldom challenging or revolutionary, though some songs on the album really stand out, such as "Who Can Be Against Me?", "Hold Onto Jesus" and "Hallelujah". But other tracks fall distinctly flat. However, if you buy it expecting the quality and exuberance of a Five Iron Frenzy then I'm afraid you'll be rather disappointed.

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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