Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

This release in the Monuments Of Faith series of hymnal compilations is subtitled 'Classic Hymns Which Form The Bedrock Of Our Faith' and does exactly what it says on the tin by featuring classic 18th and 19th century pieces like "The Lord's My Shepherd" and "There Is A Green Hill Far Away". The hymns in question are presented in their traditional setting with choir performances backed for the most part by church organ. The quality of performance is varied - the lacklustre version of "Be Thou My Vision" sounds like a bog standard church congregation singing it for the millionth time. But there are highlights such as some Salvation Army brass on the title track and the stirring Welsh men's choir on "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah". The real stars of the show are of course the hymn writers themselves - amongst them Fanny Crosby, Charles Wesley and John Newton - whose matchless scripture-reflecting words have meant that this body of work is still vibrant and relevant today.

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