London Community Gospel Choir - GLORIOUS (Anthemic Records)

“The Nation’s Favourite Choir” we are told and the gathering responsible for pioneering gospel music in the UK. This is the tenth album to be released under the banner and, hitherto, the formula has been to stick to good old standard gospel fare, involving lots of hallelujahs and Christian references. This latest venture marks something of a departure from that formula. On stage, there has always been a sprinkling of interpretations of modern classics and this is the first time they’ve committed such interpretations to record. The album kicks off with a moving heartfelt version of U2’s “One” and, whilst nobody will ever capture Bono’s raw emotion from the original, this is a committed performance indeed. Other enjoyable adaptations are The O’Jays’ “Now That We Found Love” and The Beatles’ “Let It Be”. These are carefully blended with the usual traditional fare, such as “Abide With Me” and “When The Saints Go Marching In”, which also appeared on their ‘Gospel Greats’ album.

If you’re of the school that believes gospel music should stay in the chapels on the banks of the Mississippi, then there’s little here to convince you otherwise. But for those who already prescribe to the cause, this collection will offer up a variation on a theme that might just fill your heart with joy!

3/5

www.myspace.com/londoncommunitygospelchoir

TC