Customer Reviews

Hymned No. 1

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

MercyMe lead singer Bart Millard has taken a bit of time away from his bandmates with "Hymned", a wonderful side project which features Millard offering a new take on the Church's most cherished hymns.
The first thing that struck this reviewer was the ecelcticism that is heard throughout the entire disc. While a number of diverse musical styles are covered from blues, country, rock to gospel, this does not detract from the spirit and integrity of the original hymns. Millard's renditions of "Just A Closer Walk", "Have A Little Talk with Jesus", "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" (which features a wrenching guest vocal from Russ Taff) and the funkified "Sweetest Name I know" are irresistiably catchy while "Old Rugged cross", "Pass me Not O gentle Savior" and the medley of "My Jesus I Love Thee" and "Tis So Sweet" have a mellow country feel with a hint of modern worship.
In addition to these hymns, there is also one original song "Mawmaw's Song" which was written for Millard's late grandmother. The song also incorporates "In the Sweet By and By" into its original tune.
While "Hymned" is Bart Millard's side-project, it is a very very good one. His renditions of these chosen hymns are stellar and his voice is undoubtedly flawless throughout. Also, on a personal note, I think it's cool that he did this album in memory of his grandmother. Grandmas are special people.
A Great CD!!! Recommended for fans of Mercyme, Southern Gospel and Hymns!!!

Bart Millard does a phenomenonal job here. He shows his love and respect for these songs while breathing new life into them. Each of the songs is unique and fun to listen to; yet at the same time the album flows nicely from one song to another. Its hard not smile while listening to this album. It is evident that the musicians had a good time recording this album. The songs are never over burdened with to much production instead it is left very organic sounding. Its alomost like your in the middle of the band listening to them play. It sounds like a group of friends are just sitting around playing these songs for fun of it. What I like best is that Bart is secure enough in his own talents to let the other musicians just play, often giving way to solos from the other musicians playing, and Bart himself gives a good showing at the vocals, showing what he he is capable of and the versatility he has in his vioce. In my opinion it is a must have to anyone who enjoys good music, especially if you grew up listening to these songs. It will be a walk down memory lane that you will enjoy. I promise.

Bart Millard is best known as the lead singer for MercyMe and the man who penned "I Can Only Imagine." He recently released his first solo album, Hymned. It is a Southern-inspired collection of hymns, many of which are from the early twentieth century. There is some range in the styles of music, with gospel, blues and country all getting fair representation. Millard adds to the album one original song he wrote in tribute to his grandmother who taught him to love hymns. Some of the best tracks include "The Old Rugged Cross," Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior" and "Just A Closer Walk With Thee." The song choice is strong and the artistry is evident throughout.

This CD brings back such wonderful memories of our little country church, when I was a little girl, and my mom singing her heart out. I know the words to every song and have sung them to my children and grandchildren through the years. This version of these great old hymns is so beautiful. It gives me goosebumps. My granddaugher and I listen and sing with it, in the car, taking her to school - what great memories we are creating! Totally love it!!!

The more I listen to this CD, the more I love it. To me, the sound is a mixture of country, jazz, gospel, blues, and even a little classic rock. I can't wait for Hymned No. 2 - hope it has some other classics such as Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, and I Know Whom I Have Believed (three of my personal favorites). If you're looking for a good set of hymns that don't sound boring and "churchy", give this CD a try!

I really liked this CD... it's a twist on many older hymmn's. If you like Mercy Me, you'll love this CD! It's a little more toned down, but still has that unique quality.

Bart Millard has a pleasant, easygoing vocal style. The Dixieland nuances and upbeat tempo brought the old hymns to life.

These are wonderful, creative new arrangements of some very old hymns. Job well done!

I loved this CD. Milliard breathes life into songs I'm not familiar with and refreshes those that I've always loved.
If you are unfamiliar with his work you should know up front that the titles may be familiar but the songs have been 'updated' and have a more modern sound to them. This CD has achieved what the writer hoped it would do; introducing a whole new generation to some classics of the faith.

The music is great. Bart Millard has an excellent voice. It has kind of Southern Gospel feel, and some of them kind of "jazzy." It's a good, fun album with a "twist" on some old traditional hymns.