Brad Hooks - Hymnastics

Producer:  Information not provided
Record Label:  Independent/Calvary Distribution
Website:  http://www.bradhooks.com

Brad Hooks is an indie singer/songwriter based out of Los Angeles, California.  He recently took the position as worship leader at Calvary Chapel Montebello where he has been honing his skills as a vocalist, writer, and ministry leader.  Hymnastics - his latest release - was birthed out of a quite time playing around on his guitar with some friends and playing around with a new melody he heard in his head.  Brad took that concept and laid the foundation for what would be this release - a modern retelling of some of the Church’s most prized possessions - hymns.  Hymnastics - musically - is a hodge podge of styles - taking on everything from a basic singer/songwriter folk style to songs with elements of digital and electronic music, modern rock, and pop.  “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” has a nice, atmospheric accompaniment coupled with layers of Hooks’ own vocals - a nice tribute to the old hymn.  “When We All Get To Heaven” has a much more laid back, adult contemporary approach, whereas “Doxology” is much more suited for fans of folky singer/songwriters like Bebo Norman or Jadon Lavik.  “Jesus Paid It All” is founded on electronic elements that gives the song a different feel than expected.  “Faith Is the Victory” even sees the worship trying on hip hop for size.  It’s a different feel - and I’m not sure one that was especially needed to make this album work.  Some of these hymns are given a complete facelift - where very few elements are left as originally intended.  Songs like “O How I Love Jesus” and “Jesus Paid It All” get different melodies all together, while other songs like “Blessed Assurance” and “Be Thou My Vision” only see minor chord changes.  Brad’s real big misstep is on “I Need Thee Every Hour” - turning what was an impassioned plea of a song into nothing more than an over produced electronica fueled pop song.  This version just doesn’t work - as Hooks’ great melody and fun pop arrangement don’t match the depth and hunger found in the verses of the beloved hymn.  Other than that one blunder, Hymnastics works on many levels.  Hooks’ two brand new tunes, “Into the Quiet Place” and “All Blessing” fit alongside these remakes nicely and show that Hooks has great potential as a worship leader.  Hymnastics may not be for everyone, but those looking for a modern telling of these hymns will find a lot to like with this release.

Track listing:
1.  Doxology
2.  O How I Love Jesus
3.  Jesus Paid It All
4.  All Blessing
5.  Be Thou My Vision
6.  Faith Is the Victory
7.  Blessed Assurance
8.  Into the Quiet Place
9.  I Need Thee Every Hour
10.  I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
11.  When We All Get to Heaven

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