Customer Reviews

Indelible Grace I

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When it comes to music to be sung corporately, I tend to be logo-centric and focus on the words more than the tune. These songs, which are old hymns - some beloved and well-known, some obscure - by the likes of Charles Wesley, Augustus Toplady, John Newton, and William Cowper, for instance, are rich in imagery, biblically solid, and have meaningful words which both proclaim the grace of God and elicit praise and thanksgiving from the worshipers.

Part of the stated purpose of "Indelible Grace" is "to help the church recover the tradition of putting old hymns to new music for each generation," and that they have done well. How much better does their acclamation of "Arise, My Soul, Arise!" capture urgency of Wesley's self-adjuration, for how can one whom Christ has drawn linger in guilt when "before the throne [his] Surety stands"? And what wonderfully assuring words we're given in the lines: "Yes, I to the end shall endure / As sure as the earnest is given / More happy but not more secure / The glorified spirits in heaven." In my experience, one can profitably meditate on the words herein.

Though the album is performed by a college ministry, it does not at all betray its unlikely origins. It surpassed my expectations and is done remarkably well. Indeed, most of the artists have their own recording contracts (go figure, them belonging to a church near Nashville and all). I will admit, I did not like some of the new tunes at first (e.g., "And Can It Be") because I was familiar with and so enjoyed singing the old ones in church and in the shower, but they grew on me. I did not initially care for their rendition of "O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus," but now I can't imagine it being done any better (Katy Bowser's sound reminds me of Alanis Morrisette).

I recommend this album for private devotion or to give new songs and ideas for public worship, especially if you are already familiar with the songs. I am also much pleased that this group has recorded a second album, which Amazon does not yet carry. Look into that one, too!

If you grew up singing hymns (or not) that made you feel as though you must have been living in a parallel universe because you couldn't "connect" with them, this is most definitely a must-buy for you and your contemporaries. The solid lyrical content is there, but the tunes are crafted in such a way as to relate to everybody from baby boomers to pre-teens. The tunes are not cheezy (like too many contemporary Christian songs and choruses), but are in the folk-alternative style, and delivered with as much passion and skill as you will ever hear. And, they are all easy to listen to. The musicianship is top-notch, and it is well produced. In short, it's something you could pop into your CD and enjoy anywhere, anytime, you could give a copy to your friends, and they would thank you. Oh, yeah, and be sure to buy volume 2 of this series. It is likewise great, plus it has a song or two on it from Derek Webb (formerly of Caedmon's Call). Enjoy! Well worth your time, effort, and sheckels!

"Indelible Grace" places the amazing lyrics of classic hymns into music newly written for the songs. A very high standard was obviously demanded, as the result is stunningly joyful and beautiful, with impeccable production, talented musicianship, and wonderful vocals. This is a truly professional creation, and it sounds like it.

In style the disc is alt-folk rock (somewhat like Caedmon's Call), with a mix of electric and acoustic guitars, bass, piano, drums/percussion spiced with accordion, mandolin, jew's harp, and harmonica. This is a masterful recording and a delightful listen, full of beautiful music and timeless lyrics. I whole-heartedly recommend it!

I just enjoy the concept of this genre: putting old hymns with their stately beauty to new music. Even if you enjoy the old melodies, the new tunes revitalize the lyrics and make you catch facets of the words that you may not have previously noticed. Although this album is a bit more "bluegrass" in style than I generally prefer, it quickly grew on me and is now one of my favorites.

Excellent settings of classic hymns. Begins with an invitation: Joseph Hart's classic text, "Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Wretched." Also contains "Whate'er My God Ordains is Right" by hymn-writer Samuel Rodigast. The CD ends with a touching rendition of Anne Steele's forgotten hymn, "Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul," featuring an intimate vocal by Sandra McCracken, accompanying herself at the piano while singing the newly-written melody by Reformed University Fellowship director, Kevin Twitt. An excellent addition to your worship library. The songs are very singable and the arrangements are doable by almost any worship band of any size.

When I want to worship God with my heart and mind, with biblically correct themes and genuine inspiration, then this is one of the CDs I play. Those who disagree with hymnody are free to do so and if they wish to deprive themselves of music such as this, then they are free to do that too, but I hope that they will not succeed in stopping it for the rest of us.

A great first album. I was at a conference in 1995 where we tried to sing the traditional version of Wesley's "Arise, My Soul, Arise." It was dreadful. Kevin Twit was there and introduced the version on this album. I have loved their music ever since. Their desire is not to lose the poetry of the church while recognizing that musical styles change. A number of contemporary styles are represented in their CD's. You may not like every song, but there is something there for evryone.

The hymns in this cd are probably some of the lesser known hymns for young people but they are powerful. This cd contains simple yet deep songs like "I Need Thee Every Hour", and "Love Constraining to Obedience" which are easy to memorize and the words will thrill your soul. For thoughtful worship and doctrinal clarity unmatched look no further, get Indelible Grace.

Have played this Cd 100 times and never gets Old the songs lead to a Spirit of Worship the Triune God in Spirit and Truth.My sixteen year old daughter listens and always keeps a copy in her jeep.

I've been listening to this CD for the last 2 weeks non-stop. It is excellent! The lyrics have a theological depth that you just don't find in many modern-day worship CDs. Many of the songs are old hymns and gospel songs that are completely reworked melodically. I love it. Fall in love again with some of the great Christ-exalting songs of the Faith.