Customer Reviews

Sacred: A Spiritual Journey

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

With so many "hymns" albums being released these days, you wouldn't think you could find much that would be fresh and original, but this beautiful recording demonstrates that there can be a lot of life left in this genre. The voices, are--of course--in top form. What is so fresh is the obvious feeling and passion that McDermott, Kearns, and Wright bring to each song; and the song selection is generally very inspired.

My favorite song is "How Deep the Father's Love for Us," a relatively new composition that sounds ancient in its richness, depth, poetry, and wisdom, but also entirely vital, thrilling, and reviving in it's content. The classic STUDENT PRINCE song, "I'll Walk With God" is one of many tour-de-force moments that make the listener want to give a standing ovation. "Deus Meus" is beautifully mystical and "Be Thou My Vision" is a sturdy standard that stirs the soul. The intricate vocal interplay of "Lord of the Dance" is dazzling, and is complimented by crystalline strings.

In fact, the instrumentation throughout is exceptional, serving as a perfect, gorgeous bed for the vocals without overwhelming them. This is not only good "Sunday morning music," but it works anytime the listener is in need of a powerful lift.

Just when you think they can't get any better, Anthony, John and Finbar really do. It's SO WONDERFUL to see John back! If you're a new fan or have been one from the beginning, you're simply going to love this album. It's a true masterpiece.

I was not overly impressed with this CD. I felt some of the songs were overwrought and had too much orchestra on them. The best ones were the songs where the focus was on the singers, and not the accompaniment. And I'm really ticked off about Lord of the Dance--they left off the last verse, which I think is the best one in the whole song. I bought this mainly for Be Thou My Vision, Lord of the Dance, Amazing Grace, and Morning has Broken. I just wish the rest of the songs were as good. I would recommend John McDermott's "Great is Thy Faithfullness" over this CD.

This is an extraordinary collection. The songs are irresistible, the voices incredibly powerful and filled with appropriate emotion, and the orchestra is very simply great. You'll want to buy this album for others. Simply beautiful. A pure joy.

I pre-ordered this album as soon as it was announced that the recording was finished, and it has been hard to wait the intervening months(!) Arriving home late from work and exhausted from a hectic schedule, I immediately pounced on the cd and proceeded to have a soul-feast. "Deus Meus" is one of the most dramatic renderings I have ever heard and is a great beginning to an album created to encourage and uplift weary souls. I enjoy the different styles and approaches of these singers, and their solos are impressive. My favorites are John's "Shelter Me" and "How Deep the Father's Love" along with Anthony's "To Do Thy Will." But the selections they sing together are what make this album extraordinary. Whether singing in passionate unison or intriguing harmony, these great singers give us wonderful examples of sincere, unselfish expressions of life-affecting faith. Their music reflects their desire to share with the audience in what gives the most meaning to our temporal lives. "Be Thou My Vision," "Amazing Grace" and "My Forever Friend" encourage us to reach out to our God. This is more than just another cd; it's a call to experience a higher reality.

I recently went to a concert to hear The Irish Tenors. They did several songs from this CD and it was great. If you like John McDermott as much I do then you must have this CD. This is a triple good CD with 3 top tenors.

I can only pray that I do not die suddenly; for, if I don't and am allowed to linger for an hour or so before passing into Heaven, I will be listening to the glorious strains of these beautifully arranged and inspired songs. Throw in Anthony Kearns' "The Lord's Prayer" and I'll go quietly and happily to my reward.

I purchased this CD last evening after experiencing a show in London, Ontario with the Irish Tenors. My teenaged children were with me. This music spoke to the three of us from the haunting chants to the tradional Be thou my Vision to being swept up with the Lord of the Dance. I had to buy a second copy for friends. This is one CD to be shared with anyone who enjoys perfect music, Spiritual or not.

I didn't think the Irish Tenors could get any better, I was wrong. This CD is by far the best. Perhaps it is because John has rejoined the group. Whatever the reason this is the very best.

"Lord of the Dance" has always been very special to me and now it is even more special because of these three men.

The Irish Tenors have done it again,providing us with another superlative showcase of their outstanding talent, charisma and musical versatility. Anthony Kearns' voice has to be ranked now one of the best in the world... A truely great performer..