I am normally not a fan of worship and praise albums. Too often the songs are cheesy and the sound is sappy. An album like this has a difficult task, it needs to be more than a collection of praise songs, it must create an atmosphere of worship. City on a Hill - Songs of Worship and Praise is an amazing album. Not only does it build an atmosphere of worship, it sets a new standard for Christian worship albums.

By the time I finished listening to the third song on the CD all my preconceived notions and expectations melted away. I could immediately tell this album had one intention: to praise God. City on a Hill producer Steve Hindalong said "[City on a Hill] was truly a community endeavor, reflecting our common desire to live in holy communion with our heavenly Father and with one another--by the unifying miracle of God's Spirit in our midst."

A wide variety of people came together to create this worship album. The artists include Jars of Clay, Sixpence None the Richer, Third Day, FFH, Peter Furler, Gene Eugene, The Choir, Sonicflood, and Caedmon's Call. Unlike some Christian compilations, this album isn't about individual or group talent. Third Day wasn't competing with Caedmon's Call for the best rendition of 'Awesome God.' Instead, the artists combined their talents and abilities to worship the Lord. For example, Leigh Nash of Sixpence and Dan Haseltine of Jars of Clay joined together for a breathtaking performance in 'With Every Breath.' Nearly every song on the album was performed and influenced by a medley of artists, creating that atmosphere of community worship.

This is the best album I have listened to in a long time. The music is beautiful, the songs are inspiring. It cultivates a spirit of worship that is sincere and passionate. City on a Hill is without a doubt, a light on a hill, shining for the whole world to see. (John M.)

City on a Hill includes:
Third Day: 'God of Wonders'
Jars of Clay: 'This Stone'
Sixpence None the Richer and Jars of Clay: 'With Every Breath'
Third Day and Gene Eugene: "I Remember You"
The Choir and Sixpence None the Richer: 'Precious Jesus'
Sixpence None the Richer: 'You're Here'
FFH: 'Where You Are'
FFH: 'Merciful Rain'
Sonicflood and Peter Furler: 'Unified'
Caedmon's Call: 'Covenant Song'
Third Day: 'City on a Hill'
Jars of Clay: 'Marvelous Light'
Jars of Clay: 'This Road'