Avalon

“Faith: A Hymns Collection”

Sparrow Records

13 tracks @ 55:11

            As much as I like Avalon, I never did get their last release, “Stand.”  I may had just grown weary of their style.  “A Maze of Grace,” for example, is still one of my favorite CDs.

            “Faith” marks a welcome change in direction. This is a collection of older, traditional hymns that Avalon gives refreshing interpretations.  Let’s not forget that these “older” hymns contain universal truths that mankind recognized a long time ago, and still hold true today. It’s a realization that no matter how this world changes, some things will always remain the same, reliable, dependable.

            Songs such as “How Great Thou Art”  and My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less” are instantly recognizable yet thoroughly modern.  I really liked the uplifting arrangement of “My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less,” as it breathes new life into a hymn that’s very special to me.  It’s the song that I picked for my wedding.

            Musically, this is not your typical Avalon record.  The “Jesus Medley” features some beautiful classical guitar while “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and “In Christ Alone” are more reverent, yet hushed, tasteful and subtle. “In Christ Alone” is the current single.  On the other hand, “Amazing Grace” is almost unrecognizable yet appropriately more energetic and an uplifting tour de force.  It is, after all, a song about hope and love.

            The standout track is the rousing, gospel-oriented “I’ll Fly Away.”  You’ll move and clap along when you hear that one.  I hope it becomes a single.

            “Faith” is Avalon’s best record in some time and demonstrates that one should not underestimate them or write them off as tired.

            Highly recommended.

www.avalonlive.com

- Rob S.