In 2000 Kristin, Chrissy and Alisa, aka ZOEgirl, blasted onto the pop scene with their debut album and went on be the best-selling new artist in Sparrow Records history. Now in 2009, two years after they broke up, EMI has released a 2-disc, 24 song retrospective of their outstanding career.

Disc One opens up with their debut single, "I Believe" which won fans over with its peppy, dance beat and uplifting lyrics. The darker, club-esque "Anything Is Possible," also from their debut album, fits perfectly and leads into the girls' signature song "With All of My Heart," which shot straight to number one at radio. "You Get Me," the lead single from the 2003 album Different Kind of Free, has more of a raw, rock vibe reminiscent of Rebecca St. James' GOD album. "Forever 17," from their 2001 sophomore album Life, is a strange addition, considering the song was never even released as a single. "Here and Now" would have been a much better choice.

"Suddenly" continues the dance hall sound, while the melancholy, rock-ballad feel of "Scream" delivers once again with full force. It's also probably the girls' best song. "Dead Serious" from the 2005 album Room to Breathe is an Avril Lavigne-esque punk-rock anthem, while "Different Kind of Free" brings a light, pop beat. "Dismissed" is a great, electronic hit that is a wonderful alternative to artists like Lady GaGa or Britney Spears. "Even If" is a guitar-driven pop gem that showcases the tight vocals that Kristin, Chrissy and Alisa are known for. This first disc, filled to the brim with radio hits, ends with the fan-favorite worship song "Forevermore."

The second disc opens with the rock tracks "Let It Out," "Beautiful Name," and "One Day," which all provide great anthems to head-bang to. "Skin Deep" and "About You," both from Room to Breathe, are pop and rock respectively, while "Plain" is a slow-tempo song about a girls' inner beauty. Another song from Room to Breathe, "Good Girl" is about standing up for your convictions. The bubbly "Inside Out" fits right at home with any pop collection, while "Living For You" is a down-to-earth worship track. The Middle Eatsern flavored "What Child Is This?" is a great rendition of the holiday classic.

Rounding out the collection is yet another Room to Breathe track, "Reason to Live" and "Unchangeable" from their 2005 Greatest Hits project. Both songs have a pop core, with rock embellishments.

Overall, this two-disc set is a great collection for any ZOEgirl fan. I wish the album didn't have so many Room to Breathe tracks. I would have liked to see more songs from their first three albums such as "No You," "Love Me For Me," and the mega-hit "Feel Alright," which was stangely left off. It would've also been nice to see some rare B-sides such as "Last Real Love" or "Save Myself," but of course, you can't please absolutely everyone. I would definitely recommend this album to the die-hard fans and to the people that are looking for a good pop/rock CD to add to their collection.

JFH Reader Review: written by J.C., 4/26/09, for Jesusfreakhideout.com