Robert (Bob) Briner was mostly known as an experienced sports manager and TV producer, but to the Evangelical Christian world, he was also known for his writings, like the book Roaring Lambs which encouraged Christians to be "salt and light" to the world—to be in the world and a part of the culture's conversation and formation. Released 25 years ago yesterday, this album brought some of music's most prominent Christian artists who were inspired by Briner's writings to write new songs on this theme, and for at least a few years, these songs were only available on this album. The only song co-written and co-performed by Christian pop kings Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman is on here, plus excellent songs from Jars of Clay, PFR, Burlap To Cashmere, and Sixpence None The Richer. The album has a lot of variety, from the classic rock of Ashley Cleveland signing with Michael Tait, the African sounds of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and a rare song from Steve Taylor, who was much more busy running the record label that put this album out at this time to record a new album. It was also cool to see some artists not traditionally known in Christian music circles like Over The Rhine and Bill Mallonee & Vigilantes Of Love on the album as well. And one of my favorite bands, delirious?, has recorded three versions of their track "Touch" and I think this is my favorite version on this album. It's one of the best multi-artist albums I own, in my opinion, with pretty much every song being good. Like many multi-artist albums from this era, this album is not available on streaming, so you might have to find a CD or some bootleg stream or something to give this a listen.

Release Year: 2000