Bart Millard - Hymned Again

Producer:  Brown Bannister
Record Label:  INO Records
Website:  http://www.bartmillard.org

There’s no denying MercyMe’s success in the Christian music scene.  Most of the success has to do with Bart Millard and his unequalled vocals and strong writing skills.  In 2005, Millard struck out on his own (though not leaving the popular band) and released Hymned, No. 1.  That album was hailed as one of the year’s best releases with its stripped down approach and tribute to hymns that he remembered his grandmother singing as a child.  Millard has once again teamed up with producer-extraordinaire Brown Bannister to release Hymned Again.  Hymned Again is very similar to the first volume - creative arrangements of favorite hymns.  The hymns chosen here are at times a little more obscure - but for the most part - remain an important part of the hymn cannon - especially cuts like “What a Day That Will Be”, “Grace That Is Greater”, “Victory In Jesus”, and “What a Friend We Have In Jesus.” There’s no doubt that Millard has a whole lot of fun recording these albums.  He gets a chance to tackle musical styles and subjects that he can’t with his band - and no sooner does the listener notice this than on the dixieland flavor of “Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus”.  Millard gets to try all kinds of styles again on Hymned Again - including jazz ("What a Day That Will Be"), bluegrass ("Brethren We Have Met to Worship"), folk/acoustic ("Grace That Is Greater"), bluesy-country ("I Saw the Light"), and more.  Millard’s voice transforms to fit whatever style he’s attempting at the moment - and it shines every time.  The stand out cut on Hymned Again is the only original tune and duet with Vince Gill, “Jesus Cares For Me”.  This is one that could be sung for years to come with its charming country flavor.  Overall, there’s not a lot of musical growth between this album and the first edition - but when it’s done as well as it is here one can’t complain too much. 

Purchase Hymned No. 2.

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