Bart Millard
Hymned No. 1
INO Records

Mercy Me front man Bart Millard often speaks of his sweet grandmother and how she influenced his life. Now as a fitting tribute, Millard has recorded, in his own flavor, a handful of his most beloved hymns.

Hymned No. 1 has a very distinct sound with a mix of blues and traditional gospel, and a hint of Millard’s usual pop influences as is the case with “Maw Maw’s Song (In the Sweet By and By)”. Millard had a little help on the album too, with Vince Gill on “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior,” Russ Taff on “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” and Derek Webb on “My Jesus I Love Thee/ ‘Tis So Sweet.”

Millard’s use of traditional gospel and blues really sets this album apart from the myriad of other hymn CD’s released this year. There is something about the album that genuinely inspires me and even though I didn’t grow up singing hymns they have a very nostalgic feeling that I like.

- Ken