Customer Reviews

Rock of Ages: Hymns & Faith

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Travel back a hundred years or so, step through the doors of a small-time, backwater, clapboard church, and you'll be caught up by the soulful sounds of Amy Grant's latest disc. From the opening track, Amy lays her heart on the line with nuanced vocals. Sinner, saint, martyr, or scapegoat...she has endured through the years, despite her flaws, by clinging to her faith. And this is nowhere more evident than in "Rock of Ages..."

Although I've never been a huge Grant fan (I bought this one for my wife), I could not help being touched by the raw truth and power in these songs. She imbues "I Surrender All" with a joyful willingness; she blends "Jesus Loves Me" and "They'll Know We are Christians" with lyrical and musical purpose; and she incorporates the straightforward simplicity of her father's voice in "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus." The selection of hymns and lyrics drawn from the 1800s and early 1900s is outstanding. The newer tunes are wonderfully woven into the album's tapestry. When Amy sings "Tell me Thy secret, help me bear/The strain of toil, the fret of care...O Master let me walk with Thee," we know she means every word.

For those who have stood beside her, for those who have struggled with her decisions, it is time to see her heart through the lenses of this album. While her wounds are real, her healing is God's daily miracle. Indeed, He is the "Rock of Ages." We can all find comfort in that.

This is an enjoyable CD which takes some old hymns and gives them a modern touch. For the most part, the update is a country sound.

Amy Grant has a voice that is superb. She gave a very good performance on several of these songs. In particular, I like her versions of 'Rock of Ages', and 'Abide With Me'. She has a great sounding version of 'El Shaddai' on here, but of course this is not the only CD of hers where one could find that.

For those who enjoy a modern twist on old hymns, this is a worthwhile collection. I would also recommend the recent CDs by 'Passion' and 'Jars of Clay' which have also done that.

The days of Amy Grant's mainstream success in the mid-90s with hits like "Lucky One" are far behind Amy. Instead of trying to refind that mainstream success, Amy instead returns again to her earlier Christian roots, with excellent results.

"Rock of Ages" (13 tracks, 45 min.) is an excellent sequel to 2002's "Legacy" album, again covering well known and not so well known old time hymns and religious material. The album's opener, "Anywhere With Jesus" is a delight, with a long instrumental intro that gives way to Amy's soaring vocals, just beautiful. There are many highlights on here, such as "Sweet Will of God", with the vocals-only intro, and "O Master, Let Me Walk With You", among others. Country superstar Vince Gill (Amy's husband) co-produced the album, with great results.

This album will not bring Amy renewed mainstream success, nor was it intended to (presumably), although it of course would be nice if this delicious collection sold millions. "Rock of Ages" proves that Christian music doesn't have to boring. This album is a delight from start to finish. Highly recommeded!

This CD is great! I love the contemporary spin Amy puts on classic hymns. It's a great follow-up to Legacy... Hymns and Faith. In my opinion it's even better. This CD recently got a Grammy nomination and it's clear why. Two thumbs up!

Amy Grant has released two albums of hymns. Legacy...Hymns & Faith was released in 2002 and it was followed earlier this year by Rock of Ages...Hymns & Faith. Both of these albums are excellent in song choice, musicianship and quality. Grant, because of her marriage to Vince Gill, has access to many of the finest musicians in Nashville, and she takes full advantage. I have not listened to the first album in quite some time so am unable to recall which are the best songs. Highlights of the second album include "Sweet Will of God," "Abide With Me," to which she adds a chorus, and "Anywhere with Jesus." "I Surrender All," while not a traditional hymn, is another great track. The songs are Nashville-influenced, which is to say that they have a Country and Western sound to them. Grant generally sticks quite closely to the original songs both in lyrics and tune. One notable exception is "Abide With Me." Usually I would not condone making any changes to this hymn (one of my favorites) but Grant does not take away from its beauty and power with the addition of a chorus and a slightly modified tune.

Amy Grant's choice of songs on this album is excellent. It is also really nice when Vince Gill joins her on a song. I would highly recomment this album to anyone who enjoys Amy's music and who enjoys Christian music as inspiration.

I just received this CD and I just love it-it tends to be a bit on the "country" side-thanks to husband Vince Gill but that makes it even more enjoyable for me. The songs are familiar so you can sing along-or just listen to the fantastic harmony!! I would highly recommend this CD to anyone who enjoys Amy Grant-

What a wonderfully Spirit filled and musical work of art this latest release "Rock of Ages" is. Kudos to Amy Grant, co-producers Vince Gill and Brown Bannister and to all of the talented supportive vocalists and instrumentalists on this release. It is another triumph in Amy's rather long musical career. I thought it was great and humble of her to say several years ago that she was interested in releasing a hymns record during a time when just about everything being sung and played on Christian radio was Praise & Worship -- certainly not hymns. So she followed her heart and out of that came her 1st hymns release "Legacy" which has been a blessing to my soul as I still listen to it and am comforted by its eternal truths. However, now with this "Rock of Ages" follow-up to it, I am elated at the outstanding quality of this sequel. It is always with great anticipation that I look forward to an Amy Grant release, and this was no different. It is a joy to hear her wonderfully relaxed, soothing, warm and beautiful vocal qualities as she approaches these hymns and several new CCM renditions. With the great input of musician/producer Vince Gill and co-producer Brown Bannister, these hymns are given updated musical renderings that include pop,rock,blues,folk and bluegrass flavorings. A diversity that Amy has been known for really throughout her career. That's part of the beauty of her music: diversity. I would think that there is something for everyone in this latest offering. I happen to simply love mostly all kinds of music and so it's refreshing to hear this pallette of musical artistry, especially since it brings new life to these timeless hymns. Thanks to Amy's desire to pay homage to the rich heritage and foundational truths of the hymns, that younger generations will now have the opportunity to enjoy and be comforted by the deep truths and teachings of these 'building blocks of faith.' I love the entire CD, but some of my favorite standouts are: "Anywhere with Jesus", "Carry You", "Sweet Will of God", "Rock of Ages", "O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee", "Abide With Me" and "El Shaddai."

I did not grow up on hymns.....so I am not familiar with any of these songs but they have me hooked. Amy Grant along with the producing skills of Vince Gill and Brown Bannister have done an awesome job of presenting these works of art. They've included pop songs also and still are able to make the whole CD flow together. The Vince Gill guitar playing and Amy Grant's alto voice are just treats for the ear on this CD. I can't believe I'm enjoying music written in the 1600 to 1800's.
If you play this CD even the background, you will find yourself more calm and peaceful. It's a treasure of a CD.

This is a beautiful and inspirational collection of songs old and new. Anyone can listen and feel the warmth and assurance of Amy's voice that is rock solid as always. Actually with the help of her husband, Vince Gill, they are better then ever. A great choice of songs to last the ages for all ages. Sit back and enjoy the sounds and experience and refresh yourself anew. If you are an Amy Grant fan you will not be diappointed and if you are not a fan as yet...have faith and you will be!