Modern Hymns for the Church| Posted September 26, 2022
Keith and Kristyn Getty follow-up their 2021 album Confessio - Irish American Roots with Christ Our Hope in Life and Death, their first major collection of new hymns since 2016’s Facing A Task Unfinished. The new album, one of my favorites of 2022, features guest artists such as Michael W. Smith, Skye Peterson, Matt Boswell and Matt Papa, and Rend Collective.
Below are a few comments about each of the songs: Christ Our Hope in Life and Death (Radio Mix) – This song was written by Keith Getty, Matt Boswell, Jordan Kauflin, Matt Merker and Matt Papa. It was produced by Bryan Fowler and features Michael W. Smith on vocals. Inspired by the first question of the Heidelberg Catechism, this is one of our best modern hymns. The song features backing vocals, drums, bass, piano, guitar, and strings.
Key lyrics: O sing hallelujah! Our hope springs eternal;
O sing hallelujah!
Now and ever we confess
Christ our hope in life and death Rejoice – This joyful song was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Ben Shive, Skye Peterson and Bryan Fowler. It was produced by Shive and Fowler and features Rend Collective on vocals. The song was written out of a desire to answer the question, “How do we find opening songs that are energetic, full of joy, but rich in the Bible?” The song puts Paul’s encouragement in Philippians 4:4 into song: “Rejoice in the Lord now and always, sing it again we rejoice.” The song features drums, backing vocals, guitar, bass, and guitar.
Key lyrics: With each breath He’s given, praise the Lord
In these times we live in, we will praise the Lord
Throughout every season, I am sure
We have every reason to praise the Lord The Lord Almighty Reigns – This song was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell and Matt Papa. It was produced by Ben Shive and Bryan Fowler. The song features piano, bass, drums, guitar and backing vocals.
Key lyrics: Certain of that day Christ we will proclaim
Oh, that more would share the prize
Salvation in His name Take Shelter – This song was written by Skye Peterson, Kristyn Getty and Ben Shive and produced by Shive. The song features Skye Peterson on vocals, piano, keys, guitar, bass, and backing vocals.
Key lyrics: And I’ll take shelter
Take shelter
In the loving arms of God On Jordan’s Stormy Banks – This song was written by 18th century London pastor Samuel Stennett and Christopher Miner, and produced by Ben Shive. The song features guitar, drums, bass, backing vocals, and a nice guitar solo.
Key lyrics: When shall I reach that happy place And be forever blessed?
When shall I see my Father’s face
And in His bosom rest? Beautiful and Greatly Loved – This lullaby was written by Kristyn Getty and Jordyn Shellhart and introduced at the 2022 Sing! Conference. The song was produced by Ben Shive, and features guitar, strings, piano, drums, organ, bass, and backing vocals.
Key lyrics: You are beautiful and greatly loved
Though the flower may fade
Your worth will never age
The breath of heaven from above
Flows through the both of us
Singing over us
You are greatly loved Press On – This song was written by Kristyn Getty and Ben Shive and produced by Shive. The song features piano, drums, bass, organ, vocals by the Getty Girls, and a nice organ solo.
Key lyrics: Press on all you saints
Press on till the end
Christ with us, ever with us
Until He comes again Christ is All in All – This gospel flavored song, which debuted at the 2021 Sing! Conference, and was included on the live conference album, was written by Kristyn Getty, Ben Shive and Dwan Hill and produced by Shive. The song features guitar, organ, drums, backing vocals, bass and a nice organ solo.
Key lyrics: Sons and daughters of the King Rise up and sing
That Christ is all in all Christ The True and Better – This song was written by Keith Getty, Matt Boswell and Matt Papa. It was produced by Ben Shive. The song initially appeared on Almost Home: The Hymns of Matt Boswell and Matt Papa Vol. 2. The song features guitar, piano, bass, strings, backing vocals and some excellent drums.
Key lyrics: He who makes the many righteous Brings us back to life again
Dying, He reversed the curse, then
Rising, crushed the serpent’s head If It Had Not Been for the Lord – This song was written by Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell and Matt Papa, and produced by Ben Shive. The song features piano, bass, guitar, drums, and vocals from Matt Boswell and Matt Papa.
Key lyrics: Our hope our help from age to age the same
Our God our rock most worthy to be praised
From this mount of grace our grateful hearts will say evermore If it had not been for the Lord Christ Our Hope in Life and Death – This is an alternate version of the title track, produced by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty and Nathan Nockels. Favorite Songs
Christ Our Hope in Life and Death (Radio Mix)
Rejoice
The Lord Almighty Reigns
On Jordan’s Stormy Banks
Christ is All in All
Christ the True and Better
If It Had Not Been for the Lord
to add lyrics if not listed.
