Stars: 5 out of 5
Pros: Great modern collection of timeless hymns
Cons: Does nothing to change my mind on “Were You There”
The Bottom Line:
Simple, timeless hymns
Lyrics with eternal truths
Will listen for years
Chris Rice is Back with Another Great Collection of Hymns
It’s been several years since the last time Chris Rice put
out any new music, and that was a wonderful collection of hymns. I was thrilled to see we were getting Untitled Hymn: A Collection of Hymns this year.
Yes, it is another collection of hymns, and yes, it’s good.
This really is a perfect companion to Peace Like a River,
Chris’s last hymn collection. Once
again, we’ve got twelve hymns simply arranged but beautifully sung. And, the simple arrangements can help focus
us on the wonderful lyrics. Each track
starts out with Chris on either piano or guitar and his vocals. However, as the songs progress, other
elements are woven in – we get other instruments, Chris provides some
background vocals on some tracks, and a small choir joins him on others. There are even strings on “Amazing Grace”
that make the track stand out.
And the lyrics. Oh
the lyrics. There is a reason we still
know and sing these songs years, decades, and sometimes centuries after they
were written. The lyrics pack so much
truth into them that my spirit starts to soar within seconds as I mediate on
them. Is there anything better than
thinking about God? Now, I’m not saying
that we shouldn’t be writing and listening to modern music today. I just happen to be in the AND camp. I enjoy modern music AND classic hymns,
especially new recordings of the hymns.
Long time Chris Rice fans will recognize “Untitled Hymn
(Come to Jesus)” as an original song that Chris first recorded on Run the Earth, Watch the Sky. Yes, he did
rerecord it for this project and it fits in with the songs around it.
Chris has added a new two-line refrain to “O For a Thousand
Tongues.” It took me a couple of
listens, but now I love it. Likewise, he
has made a couple of tweaks to “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” but they
quickly grew on me.
For me the only misstep on the disc is “Were You There,” and
that’s just because I have never liked this hymn. As a literal minded kid, the first time I
heard this song, I thought to myself, “Of course, I wasn’t here. I’m not two thousand years old,” and I have
never been able to shake that thought no matter when I listen to this
song. Fans of the song will definitely
still appreciate it.
I was completely unfamiliar with “Too Much I Love” before
buying this release. It’s what you’d
expect, a lament about loving the world too much, and it’s quickly growing on
me.
Best I can tell, this was released as a digital only
project. I certainly haven’t been able
to track down a way to buy a physical CD, so adjust your buying strategy
accordingly.
But definitely plan to get Untitled Hymn. The lyrics never get old because of the
timeless truths they contain.
Length: 40:38
Tracks:
1. What a Friend We Have in Jesus
2. Amazing Grace
3. Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus)
4. O For a Thousand Tongues
5. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
6. This is My Father’s World
7. There is a Fountain
8. Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
9. Hallelujah, What a Savior
10. Were You There
11. Fairest Lord Jesus
12. Too Much I Love
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