Search - SANDI PATTI :: Hymns of Faith: Songs of Inspiration

More Songs from the Heart

Staysun | Downers Grove, IL USA | 09/14/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Sandi Patty is back in this expansive 2004 2-disc set. The vocals are all new and some of the arrangements are new. This is primarily the second Sandi Hymns album following the smash 1985 recording of "Hymns Just for You". The entirely new additions to Sandi's discography include "Shout to the Lord" (a triumphant recording), "His Eye is on the Sparrow", "Holy Ground", "The Prayer", "No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus" and a moving rendition of "America the Beautiful" which includes the poignant lyrics about "gleaming alabaster cities". There are stirring new arrangements for "A Mighty Fortress is Our God", an upbeat "Great Is Thy Faithfulness", a Celtic "Amazing Grace", "Blessed Assurance" and a gorgeous choral rendition of "Fairest Lord Jesus". "God Bless America" is the same as the version on the "For God and Country" album expect for the lower note ending. This album version of "We Shall Behold Him" is also a lower note version overall and a very different take on the song than the indispensable David Clydesdale arrangement (See "The Finest Moments" for the likely definitive recorded performance of the song). "How Great Thou Art" is the same familiar arrangement as is "It is Well with My Soul" but the recorded performance of "Soul" is a remarkable vocal on this album that ranks with Sandi's most dramatic efforts. Compare the 1985 performance of "It Is Well with My Soul" (excellent as it was) with this one and there is clearly a new stunning depth of emotion and spiritual power in the always moving lyrics.



All of the selections are songs from the heart for Sandi and her loving approach to each track is clear and effective. While the project may have been better with more upbeat praise songs, at this stage in her career it is fitting that many of the songs in this collection are contemplative. We cannot accuse Sandi of providing us with a scant number of albums throughout her career and this noble effort ranks as one of her essential albums, if not one of her best. Falling Forward Songs for the Journey

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God Is Good...All The Time!

Thomas C. Nagy | Ebensburg, PA USA | 10/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard Sandi Patty in the early 1980s as a college student. I was always impressed with her high notes and musicianship. But now, 20 years later, I have grown to appreciate the instrument of praise that is Sandi Patty. Her voice is more mature, brilliant, convincing, subtle, and as always, she is the master of interpretation and phrasing. I am grateful for Sandi Patty, who through her own spiritual journey, challenges us to make our own. Bravo, Sandi!"

A Voice for the Ages

Thomas L. Lilly | Charleston, WV, United States | 09/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Can I hear Somebody say, "AMEN?!" Just when you might think Sandi Patty couldn't possibly produce an recording better than the last album she has made, she comes out with an album like "Hymns of Faith ... Songs of Inspiration." With twenty-two dazzling arrangements of hymns and songs we all love, Sandi stirs the heart to worship, the hands to clap, and on numbers like "Shout to the Lord" and "Blessed Assurance," she even got this stodgy Presbyterian dancing! On my first listen my greatest struggle was whether to hit repeat or go on to the next number ... EVERY TIME!

Whether you are from a charismatic church or are into more reserved "smells and bells high church," you'll find something here you can't resist playing again and again.



Sandi packs the album with her signature crescendos and high notes on many wonderful pieces like "Crown Him With Many Crowns/All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" and "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God." She brings a wonderful Celtic feel to "Amazing Grace" and offers a long-awaited and much requested rendition of "His Eye is on the Sparrow" sung from a faithful and grateful heart. Sandi is accompanied by lush orchestrations on many pieces, but also nurtures an intimate spirituality on pieces like "The Old Rugged Cross" and "No One ever Cared for me like Jesus," with simple unplugged piano accompaniment.



In a time of war and struggle here in our homeland, Sandi salutes our country with stirring renditions of "God Bless America," America the Beautiful, and the Star-Spangled Banner." Each of these will bring you to your feet and your hand to your heart!



Sandi revisits and renews some songs familiar to her fans on this album, as well. Particularly stirring is her new arrangement of "We Shall Behold Him" with new orchestration and a renewed hope for the coming Kingdom.



I could go on and on, but the bottom line is this is the perfect album for the hymn and worship enthusiast, and it's the perfect gift for anyone for ANY occasion!

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