In 1971, then-27-year-old Chicago-based pastor and his 45-member (whose members were all between the ages of 12 and 19), independently released the groundbreaking album . Its resonant meld of Black gospel with contemporary sounds emerging from soul, R&B, and funk made it a holy grail among record collectors. It and subsequent 1970s releases by 's group have been sampled by artists including , , and others. Chicago's finally presents the work of in proper context. 's five LPs contain the ensemble's four original albums -- 1971's , 1974's and (1976), and 1973's -- alongside singles and sermon excerpts. Across 49 tracks, juxtaposes social and racial commentary with biblical parables in what were then Black music's most popular stylistic vernaculars. His God lives here and now, where you see and experience life, and especially in other human beings. The most poignant moments from are the title track, "Nobody Knows," and "It's Me O Lord"; both redemption and edification are dispensed in the joyful affirmations of the singers, as a balm for human suffering. contains the tender original version of "Father I Stretch My Hands," the joyous funk of "After the Rain," and the inspiring, soul-stirring rave-up "So Many Years." offers the house-rocking "I Shall Wear a Crown" (it walks a musical line between ), the soaring, blissed-out soul-gospel of "I Want to Be in Love with You," and the bumping pre-disco funk of "Jesus, Lover of My Soul." delivers the celebratory Sunday-morning stomp of "What Would You Give," the gritty, funky, organ- and horn-drenched gospel of "Shine on Me," and the strolling psychedelic soul of "Turn On with Jesus." The singles LP contains a jazzy uptown funk version of the "Lord's Prayer" and a deeply resonant choral version of "My Country Tis of Thee." The sermons disc offers multiple excerpts from two electrifying live-in-church pulpit appearances in the prophetic "Dry Bones in the Valley" and the scorching exhortation to holiness, voting, and persistence of "How Would You Like to Have a Nice Hawaiian Punch?" Both feature enthusiastic support from a sweeping B-3 organ and a fierce, testifying congregation. is handsomely packaged, containing a massive booklet with rare photos, record cover reproductions, and an exhaustive 10,000-word historical/discographical liner essay. This collection illustrates 's theology ecstatically, emotionally, and spiritually. Even if his evangelical message isn't one the listener can appreciate, the music here more than compensates; it will move, soothe, lift and edify anyone who encounters it. ~ Thom Jurek