Reviews of recent contemporary Christian CDs.

Various artists, "In the Name of Love" _3 stars (Sparrow)

This is a tribute album to the rock band U2 done by Christian music artists for a good cause _ to fight the AIDS epidemic in Africa. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Christian relief organization World Vision to help in the fight against the disease.

The album was inspired by Bono's (U2's lead singer) passion for the desperate situation in Africa. It's a great cause, so I listened to this release with high hopes, even though I'm not a fan of tribute albums. Many of the songs will be familiar to anyone who listens to the radio.

The album includes 13 of U2's most famous songs, performed by 13 of Christian music's most famous, and a few lesser known, artists. Overall, the release was well-done.

One song in particular was lacking. "With or Without You," performed by the hip-hop act Grits, bordered on an abomination. The group's sound did not work with what was a haunting and simple love song.