Reviewed by Steven Whitehead While as a listener I can report that there is much to enjoy in this spirited collection of Psalms, as a reviewer I have to ponder how best to describe it. We can classify it as choral as it is indeed sung by a choir using the conventional four part soprano, contralto, tenor and bass arrangement but if you come to this expecting something on a par with, say, one of the great cathedral or Oxbridge choirs, you may be underwhelmed. The singing is much closer to what I would call congregational than choral: enthusiastic, tuneful but not always quite spot on. If we used the classification praise and worship I would happily use the label but, failing that, we might consider it is hymnody as the Psalms are generally considered to be hymns when arranged, as these are, for use in congregational worship. Those who have ever attended worship at a Sally Army citadel will know how positive an experience it can be and those who have not should leave their presupposition that it will be a brass band recital at the door and come on in and enjoy worshipping God. We open with a reverent and moving "The Majesty And Glory Of Your Name" by Tom Fettke that closely follows the words of Psalm 8 ("Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name") and builds to an appropriately joyful "Hallelujah". It is a good opener but you know there is going to be a But. Psalm 8 is one of my favourites and I often use it when leading worship - but not to this tune and while I enjoyed hearing this (to me) new version I cannot imagine it replacing the one I know and love. I suspect that this will be the case throughout. Take the most obvious example, Norman Bearcroft's setting of Psalm 23 ("The Lord Is My Shepherd") surely the best loved of all 150 Psalms. Here it is sung a cappella with every word audible but I would be almost certain that unless you or your church have some sort of connection with Norman Bearcroft this will never replace 'Crimmond' in your hymnbook. There are 16 Psalms on this CD, from 8 to 150 (and thus 134 omitted). The singing ranges from the good to the acceptable - imagine, if you like, one of the better episodes of Songs Of Praise - so if you are seeking choral excellence this is not for you. However, for those who appreciate the Psalms sung with genuine warmth and feeling this will give much pleasure.
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