This contemporary worship collection is startling in a number of ways, first in the high quality of the songs themselves. Some of the best writers and composers created them --
Matt Redman, Steve Hindalong, Egan and
Peter Furler of
the Newsboys, Dorothy Greenwell, and Benton Brown, for starters. Second are the performances themselves, from
Tree63's reading of
Redman's excellent "Blessed Be Your Name" to
Israel Houghton's "Friend of God" -- with a full gospel choir -- to newcomer
Jimmy Needham's poignant "Stand On Grace," and others; the consistency on this set is remarkable. That said, another startling point is just how pervasive
U2's influence has been on CCM. The Newsboys, certainly one of the biggest groups in the genre, sound like they're aping the Irish band on "I Am Free"; likewise the guitar sonics on Isaac Jorgensen's "Who Can Compare" and the dynamics and space in Greatworshipsongs.com band doing "God of Wonders." Pervasive. It's a small complaint and every genre steals from every other so it's hardly an issue. What is important are the consistently great performances here -- just check the closer: Superchick ripping up
Redman's "Holy Moment." ~ Thom Jurek