Caedmon's Call has had a long and prolific career on Essential Records, releasing seven highly-lauded records during the partnership. Indeed, all major Caedmon's Call records, with the exception of their debut in 1997, have been with Essential. But all good things must come to an end, and the band has decided to part ways with their long time label, in favor of INO Records. So to honor the nine or so years that they spent with Essential, or probably just to fulfill a final contract obligation, we are presented with Thankful: The Best of Caedmon's Call.

Three years ago, they released a somewhat similar project, entitled Chronicles: 1992-2004, which worked a lot better, because it wasn't simply a rehashing of heard-before songs. But rather, it included rarities, live tracks, extended cuts, and new recordings, along with a few old classics. This new release, however, is simply what its title implies: A best of. Or at least, a best of their radio singles. It includes most of their radio hits from the past ten years. Twelve hits to be exact.

It is not only an injustice, but simply wrong to claim a mere twelve tracks as the "best of" Caedmon's Call, but I digress. And of course, you can get into the "Why was this one chosen over this one?" debates all you want, however the fact stil remains that the twelve tracks gathered here are stellar. Older classics like "Lead of Love," "Hope to Carry On," "This World," and "There You Go," are present, as well as newer recordings, such as "We Delight," "Who You Are," and "Share the Well."

Still, avid Caedmon's Call fans will be left scratching their heads and saying "That's it?" It feels a little thrown together, and doesn't really do the Caedmon's Call legacy justice. But complaints aside, it's still a collection of some (Emphasis on some) of their best recordings over the years. A newcomer to the band would do well to check this one out, but would do better to just start at their debut, and work their way to the present. It'll cost more, but it'll pay off.

- Review date: 7/9/07, written by Josh Taylor