Jars of Clay
Redemption Songs
Essential Records

Of all the new hymn CD’s released recently, “Redemption Songs” is the most natural sounding mix of old and new possible. It’s not a far stretch for the band to create such a pleasing modern sound and at the same time not totally hack the traditional hymns.

“Redemption Songs” has a very similar sound to the 11th Hour CD, kind of a modern/organic mix of organic tones and ambiance. One prime example of this is the song “I’ll Fly Away”, which maintains much of its spiritual resonance, with an edge of modern music. “It Is Well with My Soul” has also been done more up tempo than the traditional hymn, but it’s still very elegant.

A few guest appearances deserve notice; Gotee artist Sarah Kelly performs back-up vocals on “I’ll Fly Away,” Martin Smith (Delirious?) sings on “Let Us Sing and Wonder”, and The Blind Boys of Alabama appear twice.

I suppose the criticism for jumping on the hymnal-bandwagon will come quicker than that of the modern worship movement a few years back. Personally though I would stand behind this particular CD, and I’m glad that Jars of Clay decided to hop aboard amidst the censure of another “trend”.

- Ken W.