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| "So
while our world thrusts ever faster and more headlong
into modernity, these hymns bid us to remember. Remember
a story has been going on for years." -- Jars of
Clay, Redemption Songs |
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NEW RELEASE
Jars of Clay: 'Redemption Songs'
By Belinda Elliott
CBN.com Producer
CBN.com –
In the band’s ten-year career Jars of Clay has been
a pioneer among Christian music artists. They are not afraid to
take risks, and their unique sound has earned them 16 number one
radio hits and three Grammy Awards. Many of their songs have not
only been well-received by a Christian audience, but have also
earned placement among the secular music charts and in popular
films and television shows.
Their musical and lyrical creativity often sets them apart from
other bands, so it makes perfect sense that when they set out
to produce a worship album they would follow a different path
than other bands have chosen. The result, Redemption Songs,
is a rare gem among the myriad of worship albums that are available
today.
The album is a collection of soulful recordings of ancient hymns
and spirituals, many of which have been recreated with modern
music. Listeners will find traditional favorites such as “Nothing
But the Blood” and “It is Well with My Soul,”
along with songs they may have never heard before. The band spent
countless hours searching through hymnals for lyrical texts that
would speak to believers about the hope found in Christ.
The band’s intent, they say on the album cover, is to combine
the rich lyrics of traditional hymns from the past with melodies
that appeal to 21st century listeners. In an age where many churches
have traded in their hymnals for overhead projection screens and
sacrificed the depth of reflection and theology found in hymns
for simplistic (though heart-felt) praise choruses, this is an
admirable goal.
The familiar “Nothing But the Blood” is made new
with a modern rock feel and features the amazing vocals of the
Blind Boys of Alabama. Another rock track, “God Will Lift
Up Your Head,” sets soothing lyrics to a steady rock beat.
In another guest appearance, Sarah Kelly’s soulful voice
adds depth to the already upbeat and stirring “I’ll
Fly Away,” making it one of the best tracks on the album.
Other tracks, such as “Jesus I Lift Up My Eyes” and
“They’ll Know We Are Christians By our Love”
feature folk music similar to that of other Jars of Clay albums.
Overall, Redemption Songs is quite enjoyable and brings
a comforting reassurance of God’s presence in our lives
while paying tribute to some of Christianity’s most timeless
treasures hidden in hymnbooks around the world.
Tell
me what you think.
Purchase Redemption
Songs
Visit www.JarsofClay.com
Read more music articles on CBN.com.
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