Greatest Gospel Songs

Album Review

Greatest Gospel Songs isn't a compilation at all — it's actually a reissue (and not the first) of Brenda Lee's 1997 inspirational album Precious Memories, which was previously available only through her website and at personal appearances. Lee produced the album with husband Ronnie Shacklett and longtime guitarist Dave Powelson, and the recording values are as high as if it had been crafted for major label release. She sings a dozen gospel songs, all of which are well-known classics like "Old Rugged Cross" and "Amazing Grace" that afford Lee ample opportunity to display her expressive ballad style. The arrangements vary from the piano and vocal chorus of "Softly and Tenderly" to the sparse acoustic guitar accompaniment of "Unclouded Day," with an orientation toward slow, intensely spiritual songs.