Search - Bethany Dillon, Matt Hammitt :: In Christ Alone: Modern Hymns Of Worship

An Pleasant Surprise

Tim Challies | Oakville, Ontario | 03/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"n Christ Alone: Modern Hymns Of Worship is a brand new album by Bethany Dillon and Matt Hammitt (whom you may know as the lead vocalist of the band Sanctus Real). The album offers exactly what you'd expect if judging by the title: a selection of modern hymns. These are not just straightforward recitations of the songs, though, but are what could best be described as alt-pop adaptations. The artists come through with several different musical styles and each takes turns singing lead. Somehow it combines to make a great album. A reviewer at Christianity Today says, "those looking for more originality and lyrical depth in modern worship might enjoy this unusually crafted collection of modern hymns set to alternative pop arrangements and sung by Bethany Dillon and Matt Hammitt."



You are probably familiar with most of the songs. The album features several tracks by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend (including, of course, the title track) along with selections by Martin Smith (of Delirious fame), Tim Hughes, Vicky Beeching and a couple of others. The songs focus primarily on the person and work of Jesus Christ, making this an ideal selection for listening to this week as we prepare for Easter.



Here is the song list:



1. Clinging to the Cross

2. In Christ Alone

3. Jesus Is Lord

4. Joy Has Dawned

5. O Church Arise

6. God Of Justice

7. On The Third Day

8. The Power Of The Cross

9. Adoration

10. How Deep The Father's Love For Us

11. In The Cross Alone I Glory

12. The Wonder Of The Cross



I quickly fell for their arrangements of "Jesus is Lord," "Joy Has Dawned," "On the Third Day" and "In the Cross Alone I Glory." But truly, there isn't a rotten selection among them. I hadn't anticipated enjoying this album but was glad I picked it up. It was a very pleasant surprise."

Excellent condition, excellent CD!

P. D. Mitchell | Massachusetts, USA | 05/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have very much enjoyed this Cd. it is everything they advertised it would be! Thank you!"

The word "hymns" might throw people.

Jennie Geiman | 01/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an amazing and very inspirational CD. The fact that it is called modern hymns might turn some people away though. These aren't hymns like many people hear at church on Sundays. These are folky pop songs that speak to the soul. Bethany Dillon and Matt Hammitt each preform brilliantly and there blend together is simply amazing. The songs themselves stick with you even when you are not listening to them. They are also incredibly uplifting and hopeful. These songs also don't shy away from the message of Christ and that is the most important thing to consider."