Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

When one is sent Volume Two of a series our first thought is to wonder what happened to Volume One but when we are considering hymns there are so many from which to choose and so many very different circumstances when we want to sing them that any compilation of favourites is inevitably flawed. Here we get, to take just one example, "We Plough The Fields And Scatter" which is surely a favourite harvest festival hymn (although there are others available) but a favourite hymn full stop? I don't think so. And if we are to include seasonal hymns, where have all the carols gone? But picking out the hymns that did not make it - or which may be on that elusive Volume One - is futile so let us instead applaud the ones that are included. We open and close in praise, as is appropriate, with "All Glory Laud And Honour" and "Round The Lord In Glory Seated" and in between we hear 12 other songs in what is rather a mixed bag. "Be Still My Soul" and "Holy Holy Holy" would be in many people's list of favourites (or people of a certain age and ecclesiastical tradition) but outside of Wales, how many would include "Calon Lan" or "Mi Glywaf Dynar Lais", lovely though they both may be? And is it not too much to ask for an English translation in the CD booklet? As to the (uncredited) performances I have no problem with the arrangements or singing; all are appropriate and if they tend towards taking the safe options throughout this is not the place for experiments. This release would make a useful aid to private devotions for those who worship within the tradition represented here and may encourage young worship leaders to revive some old favourites when they hear these classics sung as they should be sung.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.

The Hymn Makers series has proved the enduring popularity of classic church hymns. These songs of substance have passed from generation to generation, and on Best Loved Hymns 2, listeners can now reconnect with fourteen timeless classics.

Here Is Love, I Vow To Thee My Country and We Plough The Fields And Scatter are all included, as well as the Welsh favourite Calon Lan - one of the strongest unofficial anthems you could ever hope to find.