Don Moen has quite an accomplished background in contemporary Christian music, but with Hymnbook he has released an engaging collection of favourite hymns.
Minimal instrumental accompaniment, (usually piano and acoustic guitar, no drums) and unadorned arrangements allow the classic lyrics and melodies to shine.
He sings these songs in the same vocal range which he uses on his CCM releases, which, to my mind, accentuates the very personal sense which the listener has when hearing this album. Moen’s effortless and assured vocal delivery may seem simple, but when you try singing along you can appreciate just how much skill and craft are at work here.
The tracks are: All Creatures of Our God and King | Grace Greater than Our Sin | Our Great Savior | He Giveth More Grace | ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus | It Is Well with My Soul | O God Our Help in Ages Past | Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing | Wonderful Peace | My Jesus, I Love Thee | Great Is Thy Faithfulness | I Surrender All | Softly and Tenderly | Abide with Me | How Great Thou Art | Holy Holy Holy
The bonus of an album such as this is being introduced to some lovely songs which I had not previously heard, such as He Giveth More Grace and Wonderful Peace.
I had downloaded an early partial version of this album from Noisetrade, (no longer available) but had no hesitation purchasing the 2for1 physical CDs of the full 16 tracks available at Moen’s website. That offer is still available at the time of this posting. One to keep and one to give away.
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