Reviewed by Tom Lennie

It's pretty clear that the old hymns - once shunned by the charismatic church as lacking in intimacy and over-smacking in tradition - are very much in vogue once again. Along with the upsurge of popular solo artists doing their own trendy versions of some golden oldies, there has appeared a plethora of 'Favourite Traditional Hymns' collections, and one has to question whether there's need for more. This two-CD volume was recorded at churches in Edinburgh, Manchester and Chester, and features well rehearsed choirs from each location. Most of the hymns are pretty well known, but what I especially commend is the wide range of material chosen from the 18th and 19th centuries (little, if anything from the 20th century, though). Indeed, such is the variety of composers that hardly any name appears twice. Many tracks are drenched with swathes of proud organ. But the choral tones that rise above them are appealing, and particularly so are the unaccompanied pieces and the occasional (classical) solo utterances. I have no doubt that the lyrics of some of these well seasoned numbers are more poetic, theologically meaty and doctrinally sound than one or two of the questionable modern choruses that have passed around some churches in the past couple of decades. Yep, the old hymns certainly have their place in today's church. When the mood fits, these tracks go down a treat.

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.