Our favorite veggies return to us in the dawn of '09 by redefining some of the most well-known worship songs today. The VeggieTales have left a legacy for themselves over the years, even to the extent of releasing their major motion picture Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie, and with the release of Here I Am To Worship, they prove themselves yet again to be able to provide an album for kids that is both humorous and spiritual.

Natalie Grant unveils this album with the opening of the title track "Here I Am to Worship," while finally inviting the veggies to join in at the start of the chorus. From there, the record takes you through an entire set list of classic worship songs like "Every Move I Make," "Friend of God," "Hallelujah (Your Love Is Amazing)," "Open the Eyes of My Heart," etc. Musically, the album varies. "Holy Is the Lord," for instance, showcases a tropical beat that is obviously worlds apart from Chris Tomlin's original recording, and yet it's still a fun tune for kids and captures the same essence as Tomlin's version. The entire album actually covers three of his songs: "Holy Is the Lord," "Made To Worship," and "How Great Is Our God."

As far as funny, this album is a promising instrument to keep kids laughing. In fact, it's likely to even appeal to many adults as well. Junior the Asparagus, especially, must be noted as perhaps the star singer on Here I Am To Worship. He stands out with his over-the-top voice, giving off the hilarious image of him clearly striving to be noticed. It's pretty funny, even after hearing it numerous times. On "Hallelujah," for example, Junior holds out the notes longer than the rest of the gang, while on "I Can Only Imagine," he sings the entire song on his own. On "Lord I Lift Your Name On High," Larry the Cucumber offers a short freestyle rap towards the end of the track. Worship leader Aaron Shust also contributes with a veggied-out version of his debut hit "My Savior My God."

Again, this album does a stellar job of intertwining an air of worship with the famous VeggieTales comedy that fans have been raised on. Kids are sure to enjoy it, parents and Sunday school teachers will have a dominant tool to attract their kids to worship our Lord Jesus and, well, let's face it— we adults are bound to enjoy this collectible record just as much. Even if either you or your kids never liked eating your veggies, this is one worship album that will keep you healthy and asking for seconds.

- Review date: 3/16/09, written by Ben Cardenas of Jesusfreakhideout.com