Despite a distinct air of inevitability reminiscent of the Rocky series, the “Gotta Have Gospel 5” compilation album meets its release in high anticipation from all the gospel faithful, thanks largely to its predecessors.

Boasting some industry heavy hitters such as Yolanda Adams, Israel & New Breed, Donnie McClurkin, Tremaine Hawkins, Vickie Winans, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson and Kurt Carr, holding this album in my hand felt like receiving a coupon to a delectable buffet; a real assortment of flavours and savours in the form of anointed vocals, lyrics and instrumentals, glorifying God and feeding my soul.

Cleverly split into 2 CD’s, disk 1 being “in the streets”- general listening, and disk 2 “in the house”- geared more towards in-church listening, careful consideration is given to the line up and order based on theme and tempo such that the tracks flow into each other sequentially. The names given to each CD are true to description and intention, serving to collate tracks together to be listened to based on the environment you are in or atmosphere you wish to create.

“Love him like I do” by Deitrick Haddon, Mary Mary and Ruben Studdard, was produced by Warren Campbell and is sure to have you snapping your fingers in praise as it did me, just another exclusive in this Christ-reverencing musical pick-and-mix. Juanita Bynum’s rendition of “You Are Great” fast-forwards you to your next worship service giving-it-some in worship, her commanding vocals in the live recording leaves its mark.

“Gotta have Gospel 5” is a refreshing convergence of traditional anthems and new-age selections with a real something-for-everyone feel that keeps you not just hearing, but listening all the way through. A compilation cake baked to perfection, pick up a slice today, it’s a worthwhile addition to any CD collection.

With what he describes as“Kingdom Sound” music, Israel and New Breed once again offer a portal to worship in ‘A deeper Level’, the latest in a long list of hit-your-knees praise and worship albums.

Captured during three nights of intimate worship at the annual A Deeper Level Conference in Texas, USA, Israel goes deep in this album inviting all to empathise in worship with the many issues being faced by believers and non-believers alike. Ministering to the broken, lost, rejected even the culture trapped, his musical offerings to the lord are a yellow brick road directing us to Christ in his grace and loving mercy. Be moved by the conviction and passion, this is a roller coaster album praising joyously one minute then worshiping solemnly the next.

Israel Houghton’s most recent project prior to this was 'Alive in South Africa' and was recorded live in Cape Town. Its shear impact was rewarded with a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Gospel Album in 2007. Traditional he is. However, with New Breed Ministries, the distinct humming accent of South African beats reach out and grab you in the song 'Identity', where conventional and vintage Israel and New Breed push past musical mediocrity yet again…successfully!

Israel and New Breed are known for their cross-cultural style of worship, merging continental themes of mainstream gospel, Brazil, the Middle East, Africa…and in 'With Long Life', even a flash of Caribbean too! Declaring “you are the source of all life and hope, my life and hope is in you” with brother T-bone was on-track to settle the matter.

More of a new-skool gospel listener, I was initially apprehensive. I shouldn’t have been. The live aspect contributes to the gravitas of the songs with the reverb of praising voices and roaring echoes from those in attendance demanding your involvement. So, an openly imaginative mind should be adopted when listening and you can be right there with Israel. It worked for me, and after a few minutes of unwarranted apprehension I released myself into the blissful tide of worship and found myself singing along. A well orchestrated live music album, best suited to in-church Christians but ministering to all who seek a deeper level.

Look out for a bonus DVD thrown in on special editions.