Customer Reviews

Amazing Grace: Music Inspired by the Motion Picture

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It is unfortunate that the previous reviews reflect what often happens in the worship world...a disagreement that the "old fashion hymns" are fouled up when the current generation wants to have the same spirit of praise & worship with a modern sound. This album is amazing, not only because it sounds appealing to the masses; but, also because the words in these hymns are powerful enough to bring us to our knees in the presence of Jesus. Thank you artist for pouring out your hearts into the hymns that glorify our Lord.

I bought this CD after hearing the updated version of Amazing Grace, the title and theme song for the movie. WOW - I was so impressed that a classic hymn could be modernized without losing it's impace and simplicity. I had doubts about the rest of the songs, but was soooo wrong - happily!) All the songs on this CD are beautiful - classic hymns, updated beautifully. Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful.

Inspired by the upcoming historical drama "Amazing Grace," this collection of songs is both powerful and haunting. Some of the greatest artists in the industry come together to give heartfelt modern renditions of the world's most beloved hymns. There is not a stand-out song on this CD, as every artist does a fantastic job with their arrangements. Even if you have no plans to see the upcoming film, this CD belongs in your collection of gospel music. It will make your spirit soar!
Grade: A+

I wonder why so many "inspired by" recordings are not produced in response to the material that supposedly serves as the basis for their inspiration. In the case of movies, why not let the artists view the film prior to its release, and let them craft songs built around scenes, themes or the ideas presented. There may be some reason why this isn't done--it may be hard to write enough original songs, or maybe it's difficult to let the artists see a film prior to its release. If the problem is the latter, why couldn't those contributing songs be given something in written form? It may not be as inspiring, but it at least provides a starting point for creating a song.

This is not to knock Music Inspired by the Motion Picture Amazing Grace. It's a fine collection of hymns by a variety of talented artists. It seems a shame though that only the song "Amazing Grace" performed by Chris Tomlin has any direct connection with the movie. John Newton, the author of the hymn, had a relationship with the key figure in the film, William Wilberforce.

Tomlin does what many of the artists do with these hymns, and a little more. In addition to a different arrangement, he takes the risk of adding some new verses to a classic song, and pulls it off admirably. Nichole Nordeman does the same with equally impressive results on "Just As I Am." Tomlin's subdued playing and instrumentation reinvents and adds a touch of grace to one of the most popular songs of all time.

Jeremy Camp's strong masculine voice is the perfect complement for music that thunders around the verses of "It Is Well." It's a strong performance augmented by the background vocals of his wife Adie.

This is one of several remarkable duets, the next featuring Shawn McDonald & Bethany Dillon on "All Creatures of Our God & King." It starts off with an ethereal vibe but the vocals get a little cluttered with the programming that ends the song. Another song that suffers from programming is "Fairest Lord Jesus" by Natalie Grant.

It's a challenge for artists to take such familiar songs and make them sound fresh. For the most part, these interpretations succeed in making these hymns sound new. The best results here are the songs that are acoustic and less complicated like the title song.

Another brilliant example is "Rock of Ages" by David Crowder & Marty Stuart. It begins and ends with a delightful acoustic instrumental that sounds like some wonderful Christmas recording. David Crowder continues to record impressive music.

The medley "My Jesus I Love Thee / `Tis So Sweet" by Bart Millard (of Mercy Me) starts and ends with the sounds of an accordion. The music is a relaxed blend of contemporary and pop sounds. Though the title of the song does not show this as a duet, the voice of Derek Webb is unmistakable. He is a great addition to one of the best songs on the recording.

A light country version of "How Great Thou Art" by Martina McBride is also excellent and closes the recording.

Two black gospel songs are included, but with orchestration and more production, they don't fit as well with the many songs that lean toward acoustic pop or rock. They are well done and they do add variety, but like the songs that make use of programming, they feel a little out of place.

This is a strong collection of hymns done in a contemporary style. It won't appeal as much to those who favor more traditional renderings.

Wonderful music for a wonderful movie. It is very inspirational. Brings worship to the forefront.

And her rendition of "How Great Thou Art" is worth the price of the CD to me. I have mixed feelings about the rest of it. I didn't care much for most of the male voices. While they are sensitive and thoughtful and generally reverent, which I do appreciate, I still prefer more traditional, resonant, powerful male voices, such as Alan Jackson's on his gospel CD. I will listen to this one occasionally, if only to hear Martina, but Precious Memories is still my favorite.

Great traditional songs I know by artists I love!! Only downfall is the original version of "Amazing Grace" isnt on the CD, only Chris Tomlin's amazing version..

With the exception of the first and last tracks ("Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art"), I would have to say that the balance of the songs on this CD are limp and unenthusiastic....better to go right to iTunes or some other music download site and just get those two tracks!!

I think the CD was made with good intent, but unless you want something to fall asleep to, this album doesn't seem to reflect any of the joy or enthusiasm that I associate with Christian music or Christianity itself. Perhaps it was just that the songs were sung "quietly", but I did not find them to be infused with much in the way of "inspiration", and I got none from listening to them.......

Far better, I think, to go buy something like the soundtrack to the actual movie "Amazing Grace", which contains beautiful and atmospheric compositions, and which deserves to be nominated for an Academy award....

Another option would be to buy the soundrack to either of the "Sister Act" movies (in addition to my suggestion in the preceding paragraph), they are much more lively, joyful, celebratory and creative than this!

Any of those options will leave you more uplifted and inspired than this CD left me...I absolutely LOVED "Amazing Grace", and would strongly urge anyone looking for a GOOD movie to see the film that "inspired the music" on this CD.

Seeing the actual film will leave you feeling inspired and hopeful; that good men can still accomplish great things, no matter how many people are on the "other side" of what they are working against!!

[Hint: I understand that that WONDERFUL rendition of "Amazing Grace" with the bagpipes, drums and other instruments that plays at the end of the movie is available on iTunes as a "bonus track", and it is DEFINITELY NOT TO BE MISSED!!!]

ALL THREE CDS WERE GREAT. ONLY, YOU SENT ME TWO COPIES OF LEAP YEAR AND THE PROMISE. IT CAUSED ME MONEY AND DISAPPOINTMENT TO HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE TROUBLE OF SENDING THE EXTRA COPIES BACK.
JULIANNE WU

A glorious selection of music that is well worth buying. My personal favourite is number 4. Would highly recommend this item and this seller.