(EMI/Credential)

www.emicmg.com

When Patty Griffin first announced her intent to record a gospel album, more than a few eyebrows were raised in skepticism. Never mind the fact she has one of the purest voices in contemporary music or that the Blind Boys of Alabama made a reverse secular crossover with an all-star cast via their recent Duets CD.  Far too often, the desire to shore up the spirit is well intentioned, even if the end results seem to be mired in more commercial considerations.

Those worried about some sort of washed-out, half-baked attempt at conveying dutiful devotion needn't be concerned as far as Griffin's efforts are concerned. Like Emmylou Harris, one of her more frequent collaborators, Griffin's sentiments are clearly heartfelt, a genuine heartland sensibility that doesn't sacrifice purity for false piety. Put simply, Griffin pours her soul into these songs, whether wailing emphatically on the searing "Waiting for My Child" or gracefully cooing plaintive homespun laments like "House of Gold," "Coming Home to Me" and "Never Grow Old."  So while she avoids sacrificing her rootsier inclinations, Griffin still manages to court conviction with the sinewy "If I Had My Way," the rousing "Move Up" and the fervent "Wade in the Water."  Steady collaborators Harris, Buddy and Julie Miller and Shawn Colvin are back on board, along with Raul Malo and Jim Lauderdale, but Griffin deserves all the kudos.

Indeed, Downtown Church is just the thing to convert nonbelievers. 

Standout Tracks: "If I Had My Way," "House of Gold," "Wade in the Water" LEE ZIMMERMAN