Bridges: Classic Hymns and Modern Worship is an album of classic hymns recorded by some of today's top artists that seeks to bridge the gap between classic and modern worship styles. The album does a fair job of accomplishing its goal, though it is hard not to compare it to the album of hymns put out by Passion last year.

The album starts strong with a version of "How Great Thou Art," performed by Michael Tait. The rest of the album follows suit with favorite hymns such as "Doxology" and "Come Thou Fount." One of the highlights of the album is Paul Colman. His versions of "Amazing Grace" and "Jesus Keep me Near the Cross" bring life to the album, and it is good to see that he has remained strong as a solo artist.

While each of the hymns is performed well and recorded by a talented artist, the pacing is sometimes slow and the album lacks the excitement and energy captured on the Passion hymns album. Musically, the renditions of the hymns do not stray far from the way they are usually performed.

Bridges: Classic Hymns and Modern Worship is a pleasant album and a good way to introduce people who prefer traditional hymns to artists who perform contemporary music. The project does not break new ground, but it is polished and is a quality album.

- Review date: 2/18/05, written by Laura Nunnery