Product Review

You always know what you're getting with Bill Gaither and company: four-part harmonies, inspirational Southern gospel songs, and a craft finely honed over many years. Still the Greatest Story Ever Told, 1999 Dove Award winner for best Southern gospel album, serves up 10 classic-sounding songs geared for the Christmas holiday season. The opening track, "Mary Was the First One to Carry the Gospel," offers a pleasing Gaither vocal arrangement with hand-clapping, toe-tapping rhythm. Church-music fans will quickly recognize "Mary, Did You Know?" and everyone should appreciate the take on "The Christmas Song." Worth the price of admission: listen to Gaither and friends Mark Lowry, Guy Penrod, and David Phelps soar high on "Reaching" and "Hand of Sweet Release." -- Michael Lyttle