Reviewed by Chris Tozer

Drawing upon a list of the nation’s favourite hymns, as compiled by the producers of the BBC television programme Songs Of Praise, ‘The Hymn Makers’ series of recordings has chiefly focused on individual composers or a common theme. Previous releases have plundered the understandably large back catalogues of all the great hymn writers - including Wesley, Watts and Cowper, as well those of people like Sankey and Alexander - whose hymns are mainly sung in evangelical churches. Other releases have been devoted to hymns from across the regions of this “sceptred isle” or focused on the music associated with the red letter days of the Christian year. But now, having saluted all the stars of hymnody, Kingsway have released this incredible 19th recording, which may well be the last in the ‘The Hymn Makers’ series. I gained that assumption after noticing that every well known hymn on this album featured a different writer - from “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” to “Abide With Me” and “Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace”. Great though such hymns are, they come from composers who were, in effect, “one hit wonders” and thus unlikely to merit an entire album of their work. However, if this Salvationist recording is indeed the swansong of ‘The Hymn Makers’, then the producers have clearly saved the very best until last.

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