Customer Reviews

Hymns of Faith: Songs of Inspiration

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Sandi Patty is back in this expansive 2004 2-disc set. The vocals are all new and some of the arrangements are new. This is primarily the second Sandi Hymns album following the smash 1985 recording of "Hymns Just for You". The entirely new additions to Sandi's discography include "Shout to the Lord" (a triumphant recording), "His Eye is on the Sparrow", "Holy Ground", "The Prayer", "No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus" and a moving rendition of "America the Beautiful" which includes the poignant lyrics about "gleaming alabaster cities". There are stirring new arrangements for "A Mighty Fortress is Our God", an upbeat "Great Is Thy Faithfulness", a Celtic "Amazing Grace", "Blessed Assurance" and a gorgeous choral rendition of "Fairest Lord Jesus". "God Bless America" is the same as the version on the "For God and Country" album expect for the lower note ending. This album version of "We Shall Behold Him" is also a lower note version overall and a very different take on the song than the indispensable David Clydesdale arrangement (See "The Finest Moments" for the likely definitive recorded performance of the song). "How Great Thou Art" is the same familiar arrangement as is "It is Well with My Soul" but the recorded performance of "Soul" is a remarkable vocal on this album that ranks with Sandi's most dramatic efforts. Compare the 1985 performance of "It Is Well with My Soul" (excellent as it was) with this one and there is clearly a new stunning depth of emotion and spiritual power in the always moving lyrics.

All of the selections are songs from the heart for Sandi and her loving approach to each track is clear and effective. While the project may have been better with more upbeat praise songs, at this stage in her career it is fitting that many of the songs in this collection are contemplative. We cannot accuse Sandi of providing us with a scant number of albums throughout her career and this noble effort ranks as one of her essential albums, if not one of her best. Falling Forward Songs for the Journey

This is exactly what the title says, inspirational. It is the most empowering CD you could ever expect to hear. I play it every morning (have played it thousands of times) and am so filled with the Holy Spirit! I can't imagine a day without it.

A beautiful piece of work sung by an amazing voice. No one can sing better than Sandi Patty, and no songs can elevate the soul like these classic hymns and inspirational selections. Sandi's voice is God's perfect instrument.
This is my favorite album of Sandy's, surpassing "An American Songbook". I listen to this CD constantly. It gets me to work in the morning with a smile on my face. It helps me survive driving in rush hour traffic on the way home, and it speaks to my heart each and every time I hear it. This is a must have CD for anyone who can hear.

I first heard Sandi Patty in the early 1980s as a college student. I was always impressed with her high notes and musicianship. But now, 20 years later, I have grown to appreciate the instrument of praise that is Sandi Patty. Her voice is more mature, brilliant, convincing, subtle, and as always, she is the master of interpretation and phrasing. I am grateful for Sandi Patty, who through her own spiritual journey, challenges us to make our own. Bravo, Sandi!

Just a little over a year ago...this CD was released. I still find myself several times weekly putting this CD in for encouragement and inspiration. While I love Selah, this CD was robbed of the Inspirational Album Of The Year at last years GMA awards. SHAME ON YOU GMA MEMBERS WHO DID NOT VOTE FOR THIS CD!! With that said, this CD is a winner in every way. Amazing vocals backed by beautiful orchestration. There is no doubt, no finer talent in Christian music today, and I would say there is not many artist in secular circles who could compare either. the flexibility, range and vocal acrobatics exhibited in this CD will amaze even the novice. Sandi has taken beautiful Hymns and not only made them new, but showed their relevance in todays way of Life. Get this CD and PLAY IT LOUD!! You will be blessed.

Can I hear Somebody say, "AMEN?!" Just when you might think Sandi Patty couldn't possibly produce an recording better than the last album she has made, she comes out with an album like "Hymns of Faith ... Songs of Inspiration." With twenty-two dazzling arrangements of hymns and songs we all love, Sandi stirs the heart to worship, the hands to clap, and on numbers like "Shout to the Lord" and "Blessed Assurance," she even got this stodgy Presbyterian dancing! On my first listen my greatest struggle was whether to hit repeat or go on to the next number ... EVERY TIME!
Whether you are from a charismatic church or are into more reserved "smells and bells high church," you'll find something here you can't resist playing again and again.

Sandi packs the album with her signature crescendos and high notes on many wonderful pieces like "Crown Him With Many Crowns/All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" and "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God." She brings a wonderful Celtic feel to "Amazing Grace" and offers a long-awaited and much requested rendition of "His Eye is on the Sparrow" sung from a faithful and grateful heart. Sandi is accompanied by lush orchestrations on many pieces, but also nurtures an intimate spirituality on pieces like "The Old Rugged Cross" and "No One ever Cared for me like Jesus," with simple unplugged piano accompaniment.

In a time of war and struggle here in our homeland, Sandi salutes our country with stirring renditions of "God Bless America," America the Beautiful, and the Star-Spangled Banner." Each of these will bring you to your feet and your hand to your heart!

Sandi revisits and renews some songs familiar to her fans on this album, as well. Particularly stirring is her new arrangement of "We Shall Behold Him" with new orchestration and a renewed hope for the coming Kingdom.

I could go on and on, but the bottom line is this is the perfect album for the hymn and worship enthusiast, and it's the perfect gift for anyone for ANY occasion!

I first became aware of Sandi Petty when I attended a Women of Faith conference in Anaheim, CA, Sep 7-8, 2007. I had not heard of her before, though she has been around for a long time. I bought this 2-CD album for my favorite gospel, "How Great Thou Art," after hearing her sing it on-stage. Then I discovered many bonuses came with it--all the old hymns I grew up with, including another favorite "Amazing Grace," are among the 22 songs. Every song is excellent--you don't have to skip over any of them. The arrangements and orchestration are all right-on.

Sandi has a powerful voice, over which she has complete control. It can be sweet, soft, reverent, lively, or loud. It is operetic in the duet "The Prayer," which she sings with Don Peslis; it's lively and countryish in "Precious Moments;" and patriotic and enthusiastic in "God Bless America," "America the Beautiful," and "Star Spangled Banner," just about the best rendition I have ever heard of our national anthem. Her range reaches farther than any I have heard. I can't praise her enough! I am so glad I have this album--I have ordered two more of this one for gifts as well as two other of her albums for myself.

I have been listening to Sandi Patty since she was an opening act for Bill and Gloria Gaither. I can still clearly remember the chills I got the first time I heard "We Shall Behold Him."
The good news is, Sandi's spectacular voice is as great as ever. Yes, she has previously recorded a lot of the songs on this 2-CD set. But they don't sound exactly the same on this new release. A few of the best songs on this set are "Higher Ground," a soulful , gospel version of "Blessed Assurance" and an Appalachian-style "Precious Memories" medley. The three patriotic songs are heart-stirring.
I know that "The Prayer" has already been recorded by the duos of Andrea Bocelli/Celine Dion and Josh Groban/Charlotte Church. I don't think Sandi Patty and her husband, Don, do quite as well as the others.
If you are a Sandi Patty fan, you will not be disappointed in this album.

I ordered this CD to get one song,"We Shall Behold Him",and was blown away by the two CD's. Sandi Patty has always been a favorite of mine but I have not heard many of the songs on these CD's. The old favorites are done with arrangements that give you goose bumps. And of course when I ordered this from Amazon I never knew I would get it so quickly. Thanks Amazon.

i always love Sandi Patty's songs it inspires me a lot to my walk with Jesus...i always admire here music .life and her passion to served God thru music and singing...ived been a fan of Sandi since my elementary days..and till this day...the old hymn the ived heard from my mom,coz she used to sing in the church..shes just like Sandi..high voice and operatic..for you guys up there who still into secular music turn your music into gospel music and let Gods power and miracle flow into your lives..i highly recommend this doudle Cd of Ms SANDI PATTY...God Bless!!!