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Reviewed by Tom Lennie

This is by no means the first compilation of classic hymns rearranged in contemporary manner to appear on the market. But it's surely the first with the claim that each song featured in some way "changed the Church". Albeit, each has been hugely influential to successive generations of worshippers, and most are still in popular use today. The sleevenotes give helpful information regarding the origins and influence of each song - ageless beauties with well-crafted lyrics and arresting melodies. Two that immediately caught the attention of this reviewer were the opening "Amazing Grace" sung charmingly and most originally by Aaron Neville, whose velvety vocals make this track an unforgettable listen - and "How Great Thou Art", poignantly rendered here by the striking voice of Martina McBride, who makes it the finest version of this classic I've ever heard. That no Charles Wesley hymn made it onto this venture (nor any by Fanny Crosby or William Couper for that matter) might be partly explained - though certainly not excused - by the fact that the album was conceived and arranged in America. But this still doesn't explain why no Ira Sankey hymn found inclusion. Overall, it's a fine contemporary hymnal collection, though not as good as, for example, the double-classic 'WOW Hymns'.
Seven Squares
Tom Lennie

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