12th June, 2009

JUSTIN MICHAEL

Album: In Christ Alone: Modern Hymns of Worship

Artist: Bethany Dillon and Matt Hammitt

Year: 2009
Label: Sparrow
Web: http://bethanydillon.sparrowrecords.com
 

In A Word: Unexpected

"It's just unexpected, and I think I like that."

One of my favourite female vocalists in Christian music and the lead vocalist of Sanctus Real have taken some of the best crafted modern hymns and 'treated them'. From sparse orchestrations to curious genre bending mixes and a Brit-pops orchestra that, at times, wear kilts and at others wear top hats.

There's the innocence of Dillon's vocal and the Rod Stewart rock of Hammitt. It's like Gershwin meets Wesley and the two have a chat about Bono.

It's just unexpected, and I think I like that.

From the Christmas pop-rock of Joy Has Dawned to the back beat soul treatment of In Christ Alone that somehow combines a brass band with a soulful claps and a marching snare, it's surprising. There are new takes on How Deep The Father's Love For Us , Clinging To The Cross and a personal favourite, O Church Arise.

These truly are songs written in the modern day that reference traditional hymns in their lyrical form. With writers like Tim Hughes, Martin Smith, Stuart Townsend, Keith Getty, Marc Byrd and Matt Maher, you can guarantee the lyrical content is strong. You can also know that melodically the songs will hook you.

That's not really the point of this record though. This disc manages to capture the curious blend of music to paint each song in it's own suitable light. These are thoughtful arrangements driven by each song's meaning.

It is safe to say that the lyric takes centre stage here. The sonic textures, groove changes and vocal beauty is only there to serve the message.

It's all a wonderful surprise to me. Unexpected, curious and beautiful in a way you may not see straight away...perhaps like the one whose story it carries.