Comfortably classified as a Christian inspirational group, it would be tough to fit Selah's delightfully unique "duets" album, Bless the Broken Road, into any one style. The tracks on this CD are as varied as the duet artists themselves. Each song is recorded with a guest artist, including Nichole Nordeman, BarlowGirl, Nicole C. Mullen, Christy Nockels (Watermark), Tiffany Arbuckle (Plumb), and many more.

The road has certainly been blessed for Selah. Originally just a fun distraction on the way to solo singing careers, the group Selah has an ever-increasing fan base that just cannot get enough. With five #1 hits and 4 Dove Awards to their name, Selah has touched many hearts for the Lord. Their pitch perfect, superbly blended harmonies and their ability to breathe new life into classic hymns have made them a Christian music sensation.

Title track "Bless the Broken Road" opens Selah's 6th CD with Allan Hall's compelling piano, sounding reminiscent of Marc Cohen's 1990's hit, "Walking in Memphis." This song highlights the beautiful voice of Melodie Crittenden, who sang with Selah on Michael W. Smith's "Healing Rain" tour. A powerful song of a difficult life that has, through God's hand, led to true love, Selah has been using it to close their concerts. The audience response has been so overwhelming, they decided to include it on this CD. This current single has already reached the top 10 on both the Inspirational and Adult Contemporary charts.

The second track, "Gentle Healer" debuts Selah's new vocalist, Amy Perry. Her voice blends flawlessly, and it is hard to believe she has not been part of Selah for years. Her addition can only mean great things for the future of this trio.

"Glory," the third track, is a deeply passionate song written by and sung with Nichole Nordeman. This is a beautiful vision of Christ's return; "We want to see your Glory - every knee fall down before thee - every tongue offers you praise - with every hand raised." This song builds in strength and intensity until it is hard not close your eyes and raise your hands to the Lord. I would not be surprised to hear this fabulous song on the radio as the next Selah single.

I was disappointed in "I Will Sing of My Redeemer," featuring BarlowGirl. This traditional Christian hymn sounded stiff and plodding with disparate voices failing to blend. Another traditional hymn that left me wanting was "Softly and Tenderly." Although this is one of my favorite hymns and the voices are both beautiful and sincere, this rendition is so soft and tender, it seems to lose its way.

My favorite song on the CD is "Follow Jesus (Landa Yesu)," an upbeat, head bopping, smile-on-your-face African song with a saving message. This song features the amazing Nicole C. Mullen, who has the perfect voice and style to compliment its irresistible Congo beat. Selah's Todd Smith wrote "Follow Jesus" when he lived in Africa with his missionary parents. "This is probably the most personal song I've ever written," says Todd. "I began to think about what life is like there, how hard it is to survive, and the chorus just came - it calls out to the people to believe the promises of God." Todd says this song is his personal favorite, as it is mine!

Another standout is "Be Thou Near to Me," a pop-style worship song with a full band backing Selah's traditional piano and strings. Robust piano and rich, lush harmonies make this a beautiful and memorable song.

Christy Nockels, from Watermark, joins Selah in "Faithful One." Again, the harmonies are beautiful and seamless. According to Todd Smith, "'Faithful One' really seems to fit the overall theme of the album - how even when life seems hopeless, Jesus is faithful, over and over again. He's our hope."

Just when you think Selah can be firmly planted in the pop/inspo category, they come up with "All My Tears," an Emmylou Harris song with a heavy, tragic sound, and "Ain't no Grave," a kickin' bluegrass-harmonica and acoustic guitar song. Both of these tracks highlight the same theme - life after death - albeit with unique styles.

From the simple purity of piano and voice on "Mary Sweet Mary," to the exciting and rhythmic African drumbeats of "Follow Jesus," this CD proves Selah is reaching farther and getting better with each release. This mix of traditional Christian hymns, contemporary covers and original material, sung in a variety of musical styles from inspo to pop, African, and even bluegrass, creates a diverse and desirable CD.

Visit Selah's official website at www.SelahOnline.com.