The film "Amazing Grace" and the new accompanying album, "Music Inspired By," together add up to much more than just another movie and a CD.
The film “Amazing Grace” is the story of William Wilberforce, who championed the abolition of slavery in the 1700s, and his friend and partner in battle, Rev. John Newton, author of the world’s most famous hymn, “Amazing Grace.” Sadly, there are more slaves today than in any other period of history. “Music Inspired by the Motion Picture Amazing Grace” represents the efforts of some of the day’s top music artists to bring attention to and relief to this modern day horror. The music industry’s best producers and most beloved performers joined forces to create 13 contemporary renditions of classic hymns, one of which, Chris Tomlin’s take on “Amazing Grace,” will be used as a fundraising theme song by the Geneva Global Fund for the cause.
One of the things I enjoyed most on this richly satisfying album is the way producers Ed Cash, Matt Bronleewe, Brown Bannister, Paul Worley and Ed Seay matched this historic material to just the right artist, bringing a freshness to these familiar hymns by adding rich sonic touches. The haunting opening of “All Creatures Great and Small” moves organically into an upbeat release of celebration in the hands of Shawn McDonald and Bethany Dillon, and Steven Curtis Chapman brings the same joyous feel to “Holy, Holy, Holy.” Natalie Grant’s nuanced “Fairest Lord Jesus” throbs with swirling intensity, Nichole Nordeman brings a lustrous rendition of “Just As I Am,” and “Were You There?” is offered up on a grand scale, Smokie Norful’s rich tones over lush instrumentation. As you might expect, David Crowder stops traffic with his duet with Marty Stuart on “Rock of Ages,” a powerful blend of peaceful strings and passionate vocals. And speaking of power, Avalon’s show-stopping “Great is Thy Faithfulness” manages to be both simple and potent, with extraordinary vocals over minimal instrumentation. Other noteworthy tracks include Bart Millard’s homespun “My Jesus, I Love Thee/Tis So Sweet,” the perfectly complimentary vocals of Jeremy Camp and wife Adie on “It Is Well,” and a passionate interpretation of “I Need Thee Every Hour” from Jars of Clay.
Chris Tomlin sets a high tone of fervency for the project with his “Amazing Grace,” his deeply expressive vocals opening quietly before flying into the chorus’ soaring melody line, movingly backed by the Wilberforce University Choir. The track beautifully exemplifies the purpose and the passion of the movie, the album, and the mission. “Music Inspired by The Motion Picture Amazing Grace” releases January 23, the film on February 23. Pick up the album now and be inspired yourself to become a part of the solution for those in captivity today.
