A who's who in CCM lineup pays tribute to the long beloved childrens stories penned by C.S. Lewis on the Christian music version of Music Inspired By The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Featuring a diverse roster that delivers what is mostly a unified and fluid tracklist, this collection of songs makes up one of the best original soundtracks -- or even compilations -- to come around in awhile.

The collection gets off on the right foot with Jars Of Clay's "Waiting For The World To Fall," a classic Jars song that brings back the melodies and alternative pop that was missing from their most recent hymns project, Redemption Songs. "Open Your Eyes" is standard fare from this year's GMA Awards "Male Vocalist Of The Year" Jeremy Camp, but Steven Curtis Chapman's "Remembering You" bears a folk, almost celtic sound that most would probably expect from a band like Jars Of Clay ten years ago. Chapman's effort is among the highlights, followed by Bethany Dillon's catchy pop/rock "Hero," and Delirious?' worshipful "Stronger." Rebecca St. James makes her return to her signature pop/rock sound with her offering "Lion." One of the most powerful songs on the project, "Lion" showcases evident growth in St. James as a singer. Probably the ugly duckling on the album, tobyMac's rap-flavored rocker "New World" may not fit among the other songs on the album, but is easily one of the best in the list. Nichole Nordeman continues to be a force to be reckoned with with her beautiful "I Will Believe," while David Crowder*Band's quirky "Turkish Delight" sounds remarkably reminiscent of Jamiroquai's "Canned Heat" (which is most recognizable for being featured in the film Napoleon Dynamite). Kutless and Chris Tomlin offer fair pop worship songs to round out the impressive cast of artists for this project.

Music Inspired By The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is by no means perfect but is certainly an impressive collection of songs and artists. Although the project is over 40 minutes in length, having selections from eleven artists seems rather slim. However, less is more in this case as some of the best that can be is included here. The artists' passion and appreciation for the classic C.S. Lewis tale is evident from song to song and is what helps make this collection stand out from the rest.

- Review date: 9/24/05, written by John DiBiase