This album is so much more than one man’s career retrospective. It includes guest artists from the Southern Gospel music field who are the creme de le creme, and sing with the star of the CD, a talented singer/songwriter in his own right. For “Phil Cross: The First 25 Years,” the artist has assembled an all-star cast of performers and recorded fresh versions of songs he has written over the years. On most of the tracks, he trades off vocals and solos with his guests. So you hear some incredible music!

On a few of the numbers, the group that took the song to the top of the charts returns to reprise their performance. For example, The Hoppers return for “Yes I Am;” Legacy Five features Scott Fowler on “Champion Of Love.” (Though Gerald Wolfe was the Cathedral singer featured on the original and perhaps best remembered version of the song, Fowler was the featured vocalist for the final eight years or so that the Cathedrals staged the song).

Other cuts are re-imagined in fresh arrangements. Our absolute favorite — and one of the greatest inspirational songs ever written in recent years — “I Am Redeemed,” (which was popularized by Poet Voices), is captured in a somewhat mellower yet brilliant rendition by the Booth Brothers. But the thrilling part of the song comes when Phil narrates the bridge and then sings contrapuntal and with full chest voice while the Booths carry the song. If that song doesn't lift you up, nothing will.

The Kingdom Heirs turn in a typically stupendous performance on “Wedding Music,” with our favorite bassist Jeff Chapman singing his verse with more melodic warmth than ever. The harmonies are spine-tingling.

Karen Peck and New River deliver a rousing version of “Glorious City of God” that is a real toe-tapper. Duane Allen of the Oak Ridge Boys sings a gentle rendition of “Before You Knew How to Love Me.” Terry Franklin is splendid in singing “One Holy Lamb” with Phil Cross. As music critic Daniel J. Mount remarks, this track is “memorable in large part for being the first I've heard where the tenor doesn't sound like he was at the absolute limits of his range.” Mr. Franklin is an alumnus of the Gaither Vocal Band who also does a lot of session work in Nashville for a myriad of Southern Gospel recordings. (His wife Barbi is also a talented vocalist). The awesome Ivan Parker trades lead lines with Phil on “Welcome To Heaven.”

We simply can't say enough good things about this CD. While it is a few bucks more than some CDs, you get 21 songs that you will carry in your heart and soul for years to come. It ranks an A+ from us.

One sad note: As we present this CD, word comes that Phil is battling a life-threatening illness, though his doctors are optimistic about his prospects for recovery. As of now he anticipates surgery in October and will be grateful for prayers.

It would be hard to find another CD that offers so much truly great music in this genre. Buy it, play it around family and friends, and no doubt they will want to acquire copies as well. It's magnificent in every respect!

To sample some of the tracks, click the speaker icon below to hear them. Then scroll down the page to order today!