Country superstar Alan Jackson ventures into gospel territory, offering up a set of warm and inviting faith-themed songs. These spare tracks feature no percussion and rely almost solely on piano and acoustic guitar, allowing the focus to remain on Jackson's resonant vocals and the songs' devoutly Christian lyrics. Although praising Jesus is clearly the core of this album, the beautifully minimalist renderings of spiritual classics are so soothing and pleasant that the disc's appeal is sure to extend to fans of Jackson's secular music, particularly on "Softly and Tenderly," which is enhanced by gentle organ lines, and "I'll Fly Away," here given a light, jaunty bluegrass feel. The resulting atmosphere evokes images of the Georgia-born singer/guitarist sitting in on a friendly, open-air church service, leading a sing-along of traditional numbers such as "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "I Want to Stroll Over Heaven with You." Released in February 2006, 15 tracks, including:
01- Blessed Assurance
02- Softly and Tenderly
03- I Love To Tell the Story
04- When We All Get To Heaven
05- 'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus
06- In the Garden
07- Are You Washed In The Blood?
08- I'll Fly Away
09- What A Friend We Have In Jesus
10- Standing On The Promises
11- Turn Your Eye Upon Jesus
12- Leaning On the Everlasting Arms
13- The Old Rugged Cross
14- How Great Thou Art
15- I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You