Jodi Benson and Friends Sing Songs from the Beginner's Bible

An extension of Songs From the Beginner's Bible, this sequel ups the amp on energy and musical style, piecing together pop, rap, gospel, ballads, dance, island chant, and folk. Narrated and sung by Grammy winner Jodi Benson (Broadway's Crazy About You) and her friends (music artists Chris Harris, Phil Keaggy), the album packs in a lot more information than the first album. The stories of Noah the ark builder, Naaman the leper, Joshua who fought the battle of Jericho, Daniel who survived in a den of lions, and Zacchaeus the greedy tax collector are all contained here, and they provide very human and moral tales for children and parents. The album, like the first, is not an amazing achievement in Christian children's music but thanks to perky tunes and good subject choices, it succeeds for the age group it is intended. It is helped in every way by the inviting charm of Benson, a singer who always emits sincerity. Her efforts for children are applaudable but her talent is too far reaching to keep it restricted.