Reviewed by Susan Lumsden

I have to admit, it had potential: 50 strapping hymn tunes including such greats as "And Can It Be?" and "Immortal, Invisible". At worst a good Christmas present for an aunt. But even my aunt will be spared this offering. Its synthetically produced melodies reflect nothing of spiritual or even orchestral grandeur. And poor choice of instrumental style and tempo at times had me running for the stop button: "Praise Him, Praise Him", played on a tinkly glockenspiel, sounds more like a nursery rhyme than a great hymn of praise; "Since Jesus Came Into My Heart", jaunty and glitzy, is reminiscent of the broadway stage. At its lowest point, one particular "oom-pah-pah" suggested the incidental score from Mary Poppins. Overall, the atmosphere created is more like background music from a shopping mall. Instrumental hymn recordings are never easy: no one can deny that hymns are first and foremost meant to be sung. But it is still possible for such an album to express grace and majesty, and be glorifying to God. This one, sadly, is not.

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.