This CD – a compilation of major Christian artists covering some of U2 greatest songs – is a direct response to pleas from Bono for Christians to produce something that helps relieve the AIDS/HIV crisis in Africa.
While some artists almost re-create the originals – TobyMac’s Mysterious Ways is particularly successful – others firmly plant their own stamp, such as Jars of Clay, who brand All I Want Is You with their unplugged style of Americana. Tait’s passionate cover of One is arguably better than U2’s original.
This collection also shows how much U2’s greatest songs owe to their faith. The simple idealism of their teenage days produced songs of praise and peace like Gloria and Sunday Bloody Sunday, while later came the Philip Yancey-inspired Grace – a word that frequently appears in Bono’s writing, and a song that would enhance our worship in church.
But strikingly good as most artists are here, the real success is that the proceeds from the CD go to World Vision’s work with AIDS in Africa, particularly in Zambia, and that it will help to relieve much suffering. In the Name of Love, Artists United for Africa (Time Life)
Derek Walker lives and worships in Abingdon.
