Customer Reviews

Beams of Heaven: Indelible Grace IV

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have greatly enjoyed the first two albums in Indelible Graces' project to set old hymns to new music, but I must admit that I had a little trouble getting into the third. The fourth installment, however, is a delight of music and words, and it drew me in immediately.

Here you will find songs of joy and of comfort with words that are packed with meaning in every phrase and with tunes that a pleasure to sing and capture the intent of the words for our generation's musical taste. It is, in my opinion, a step above most contemporary Christian music.

A variety of artists perform these songs, some familiar to IG fans, some new. If I had to pick one song as my favorite, it would probably be Jeremy Casella's rendition of "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah", which is both memorable and profound, but playing favorites does a diservice to the album as I really can't complain about any of the songs here. I find that I like them all and prefer to listen to the CD all the way through.

Surely, the words from one song on this excellent album are true:

A thousand men could not compose
A worthy song to bring
Yet Your love is a melody
Our hearts can't help but sing!

I recommend that you buy this CD and lift your voices high.

The project is a collection of hymns, some long out of use, with new melodies and/or arrangements. I start to wonder why on earth the churches stopped singing some of these songs, they're so gospel-centered, ringing with grace and truth. There are a couple new renditions of favorites, too. I will say that I'm a person who loves words and language, even old-fashioned English, so, if you prefer hymns that are lyrically updated and leave out the "thees" and "thous," this CD may not be for you.

Modern hymnists are often mocked by the mainstream market as having lyrics that were shallow to the point of blurring the line between Christ as Lord and Christ as boyfriend. In all of modern hymnody, Indelible Grace has set the bar on providing the church lyrically deep music set to modern arrangements.

The Indelible Grace project was begun to draw upon the robust lyrics of old and pair them with tunes that were accessible. The reviewer believes the attempt was a success and the crescendo for this project can be found in the fourth cd entitled Beams of Heaven. The theme of Beams of Heaven are songs of reflection while on our blessed pilgrimage.
Andrew Osenga, Derek Webb, Sandra McCracken, and Matthew Smith headline the album but the true highlights of the album are the hymns.

The first gem on the album is sung by Emly Deloach with the title I Asked the Lord. This story line of I Asked the Lord is that Newton asks the Lord for grace and mercy and God provides him with trials to bring about the answer to Newton's prayer. Not exactly a popular modern song concept, but the lyrics are as rich as they are Biblically true.

An equally precious song is by the artist Derek Webb called His Love Can Never Fail. The style of this hymn is written in the style of a power ballad. Mr. Webb's voice cries out with optimism and hope as he sings the refrain "And though I tremble when I think how weak I am and frail, my heart is satisfied to know his love can never fail."

Andrew Osenga sings a song entitled Father Long Before Creation that has become a favorite in mine. The lyrics to this song came from an old Chinese Hymn. The reviewer's favorite lyrics are proclaimed in the third verse: "God's compassion is my story, Is my boasting all the day; Mercy free and never failing moves my will, directs my way"

Beams of Heaven, lyrics written by Charles Tindley, provide the conclusion of the album. There could not be a better song to finish up the album. Dan Haseltine performs this arrangement with a style that can only be described as a heart cry. The concluding verse of this song is especially poignant if you have listened to the album straight through: "There is a world where pleasure reigns, no mourning soul shall roam its plains, and to that land of peace and glory I shall want to go someday."

Although Beams of Heaven was released in 2008, it still is on the top of my playlists.

Great work. In my opinion, this album is the second best of the series. Musically speaking, I would rate it tops of all the Indelible Grace works. Surely it would be the best if it had more recognizable hymns. However, with lesser known hymns, this effort is all the more fresh and vibrant. The words are wonderful and God-glorifying; and the music is tight, supportive and artistic. Bravo, Indelible Grace. Thanks for the work of praise for the Lord!

Grace indelible,
--Jeffrey

Great mix of production, musical styles and artists. The best of the best from this movement.

I've been collecting worship CDs almost as long as I've been leading worship (almost 10 years). This is one of the finest I've heard and I own a great many. The song texts are from theologically-solid authors, sometimes over two-hundred years-old. But these aren't your mom's clunky hymns with Sis. Cantplay on the piano and Bro. Tooloud yelling in your ear from four rows back. Dan Haseltine (from Jars of Clay) sings the title track, Sandra McCracken and Derek Webb (of Caedmon's Call) both contribute to the setlist and the song "Who Is This?" is worth the cost of the CD. If you're yearning for songs that go deeper than the "I love you, I need you Jesus" (of which there's nothing wrong), this CD and all the Indelible Grace CDs are just what you're looking for. Also, for worship leaders, all of the songsheets are available for free on the RUF Hymnbook website. Google it.

Lord continue to Bless these Young and Faithful muscians for Your Bride and Your Glory.

Worth it for those who really enjoy the hymns. Not as strong as the first 3, but still some strong music, and of course, as always, amazing lyrics.