Scott Wesley Brown
“The Old Hymns Made New”
Devotion Music
12 tracks @ 46:21

This is another release from Devotion Music. The PR material for this record claims “it will put new life to the hymns for the ever changing church of today.”

Brown says, “Knowing where we came from, the stories behind the lives of hymn writers needs to continue so we can illuminate these hymns to our generation and the ones that follow.”

Very similar to Symphony in Red, the approach here seems to be to play the hymns sans pipe organ. For example, “Praise to the Lord” has a penny whistle but retains the familiar arrangement. “He Will Reign in All the Earth” is rocked up with guitars and drums. “Immortal Invisible” is almost schizophrenic in nature as it starts with an acoustic approach then crosses over into 70s arena rock.

“Love That Will Not Let Me Go” is one of the stronger songs as it stays with an overall acoustic approach. “Thy God Reigneth,” with its backing choir, would be at home on a Steve Green record. “The Church’s One Foundation” takes a very subtle approach.

All of these hymns have timeless truths and need to be kept alive.

Overall, I wish the linear notes were a bit more informative. There was very little info on this project at the Devotion Music web site.

- Rob S.