Andrae Crouch DEFINITIVE GREATEST HITS

One of the most beloved figures in gospel, Andrae Crouch enlivened the genre in the 1970s and '80s by adding elements of rock and R&B to his music. This three-disc budget set stays true to its name by presenting Crouch's classic moments. THE DEFINITIVE GREATEST HITS begins with "My Tribute," a gentle tune of praise that stands as one of Crouch's best-known songs. Although tracks such as "Everything Changed," with its funky wah-wah guitar, raised eyebrows with gospel purists, Crouch's sense of spiritual devotion is never eclipsed here. In fact, many of these non-traditional numbers prove to be the performer's most compelling, since they mix dynamic soul/R&B arrangements with an uplifting message. The only cons of this compilation are its lack of recording information and its curious packaging--these 30 tracks could have easily fit onto two CDs. Despite these issues, Crouch's DEFINITIVE GREATEST HITS does deliver his finest singles, making it an excellent addition to any gospel collection.

• Format: CD
• Genre: Pop