Wonderful New Versions of New and Traditional Hymns
Posted September 18, 2018
By BPence,
Shane and Shane are a contemporary worship duo comprised of Shane Barnard and Shane Everett. I recently got to enjoy their music at the Sing 2018 conference in Nashville. Prior to that, what I knew about the duo was primarily through the ministry of Desiring God.
Hymns Vol. 1 is a new album featuring new arrangements of ten modern and traditional hymns, totaling in excess of 57 minutes of music. This is an album that I thoroughly enjoyed. At first listen, it can appear like a simple and basic covering of these wonderful hymns. However, each repeated listening brings out something new about these extended arrangements, which are connected, with no breaks between the songs. The lead and harmony vocals are excellent throughout, as is the musical accompaniment, which never gets in the way of the words of these wonderful hymns. I can’t wait for Vol. 2.
Below are a few brief comments about each song:
Tis So Sweet – The lyrics to this hymn were written by Louisa M.R. Stead in 1882, and the music by William J. Kirkpatrick. This version, which clocks in just under seven minutes, features, guitar, light percussion, and violin, and builds powerfully.
How Great Thou Art – This hymn, which is my favorite, was based on a poem written by Carl Boberg in 1885. It was translated into English by the missionary Stuart K. Hine, who also added two additional verses. The hymn was set to a Russian melody. The song features guitar, piano, drums and builds powerfully.
Give Me Jesus – This hymn is an African American spiritual. I first became aware of this song through Fernando Ortega’s wonderful version. This beautiful version features acoustic guitar, piano, and some effective drum work.
Come Thou Found (Above All Else) – “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” was written in 1757 by pastor and hymn writer Robert Robinson at age 22. This version features acoustic guitar, piano and violin. It also includes a brief worship chorus “Above All Else”.
The Lord is My Salvation – This modern hymn was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Nathan Nockels and Jonas Myrin. This excellent version features some good drum work, guitar and piano.
Key lyric:
Who is like the Lord our God?
Strong to save, faithful in love
My debt is paid and the vict’ry won
The Lord is my salvation
Holy, Holy, Holy (We Bow Before Thee) – “Holy, Holy, Holy” was written by Reginald Heber in 1826. This hymn opens with acoustic guitar and light percussion. It builds with violin and includes the worship chorus “We Bow Before Thee”.
He Will Hold Me Fast – This hymn was written by Ada Habershonnew and Matt Merker. It’s one of my favorite “new” hymns. It features acoustic guitar, piano, light percussion and keys.
Key lyric:
For my life He bled and died
Christ will hold me fast
Justice has been satisfied
He will hold me fast
Raised with Him to endless life
He will hold me fast
Till our faith is turned to sight
When he comes at last
My Worth is Not in What I Own – This modern hymn was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty and Graham Kendrick. This is another of my favorite new hymns. It features keys, guitar, violin and light drums.
Key lyric:
I rejoice in my Redeemer
Greatest Treasure,
Wellspring of my soul
I will trust in Him, no other.
My soul is satisfied in Him alone.
In Christ Alone – This modern hymn was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. It’s one of our church’s favorites to sing in our worship service. This version features piano, acoustic guitar, drums, and violin, as it builds powerfully.
Key lyric:
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the pow'r of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand
There is a Fountain (Full of Love) – This hymn was written by William Cowper in 1772. This version features guitar, light percussion and violin. It also includes the worship chorus “Full of Love”.
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