To do a classic hymns album well, you must retain a sense of honor for the material and its history, and at the same time, inject something fresh enough to justify yet another recording. Chris Orr and Matt Papa succeed admirably on both counts with “Hymns,” giving listeners a project fueled by passion and excellence.
A rock rendition of “Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah” opens the album with thundering guitars that never overwhelm the straightforward vocals but rather create an air of exuberance that lasts throughout the project. The luminous guitar under the floating melody line of “Glorious Is Thy Name” makes the hymn sound like it was written last week. Orr and Papa anoint these hymns with transcendent sonic touches, and “At Calvary” is a perfect example: the combination of Bethany Dick’s viola and the simmering keys bear Papa’s vocals like an offering.
The brief track “In the Sweet By & By” has an air of ancient holiness, leading organically into the lush “Before The Throne of God Above,” thick with strings, stirring programming, and deep passion. The always moving “How Great Thou Art” is a powerful blend of the old and the new, tiny techno touches enhancing the impassioned mix of Papa’s lead and Bethany Dick’s sweet background vocals. “Jesus What a Friend For Sinners” stands out for its edge, a creative mix of looping, thick guitar riffs, and fat splashy drums. “Hymns” closes on a lovely note with a standout rendition of “Have Thine Own Way, Lord,” Papa’s soft vocals against a backdrop of sonic gems: more soothing looping, Bethany’s quivering violin, and again, those sweetest of background vocals. The track tears it up, simply put, leaving you with your spirit turned upward. What better result could you ask for from a hymns project? Pick up “Hymns” from Chris Orr's website or www.mattpapa.com.
