Following a lengthy hiatus, veteran singer/songwriter Sammy Ward returns January 31 with a highly anticipated new recording, Hymns Anew. Produced by Nathan Nockels (Chris Tomlin, Keith & Kristyn Getty), the Vibraslap Records release features fresh takes on six beloved hymns, as well as the original title-track written by Ward.
"I've grown up in the church singing hymns, and the words of these songs come to mind first--before any other type of music--to help encourage my faith," Ward shares. "Modernizing some of my favorite hymns is my effort to carry them on for generations to come. These songs are just too good to be forgotten, too strong to not be sung, and too worthy of our respect to not be heard."
Click here to add a video. Click to add lyrics if not listed.
01.
Wonder Working Power (There Is Power in the Blood)
02.
Make Me Whole Again (Nothing But The Blood of Jesus)
Remakes of the Classics| Posted February 09, 2020 What You Need To Know After a nine-year pause from the music scene, Sammy Ward is back with his new EP, Hymns Anew. Sammy is a singer/songwriter from North Georgia but currently resides in Nashville with his family. On his new EP, Sammy takes old hymns that the church has been singing for years, and puts a new, modern spin on them that will appeal to both young and old.
What it Sounds Like You could ask any of my family members, and they would all give you the same answer: I'm not a fan of hymns. But, surprisingly, I love Sammy Ward's new EP. He has completely modernized hymns like "Glory to His Name," "There Is Power In The Blood," and others.
Spiritual Highlights Every song on the EP has a spiritually-rooted message. But, my main takeaway is that God never changes. Although some of these songs are over 100 years old, the message remains the same: there is power in the blood of Jesus, and we will always have Him to lean on. But, we can so easily become immune to hearing these old lyrics, because we've heard them so much. I love that Sammy has updated these hymns. So, we can get a fresh, new take on the songs. This way we can really pay attention to the significance of the lyrics. His original song, "Hymns Anew," sings "With fresh faith and with fresh fire/to honor You is my desire/as I trust and follow through/I'll be singing Your hymns anew." This new EP gives us all a chance to listen to these hymns with fresh faith and fresh fire.
Best Song on the Record The best song on the record is "Blessedness (Leaning on the Everlasting Arms)." It's a great upbeat version of the popular hymn, "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms." It's one that I'm sure the whole family will love. The song has the pop vibes that reminds me of Building 429's hit songs. Essentially, it's an all-around great remake of the old hymn.
Final Word Overall, Sammy Ward released an impressive EP. I hope that we'll hear more of these remakes of old hymns in the near future. You can listen to his EP now on Spotify.
to add lyrics if not listed.
