Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!
Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!

JFH Music Review




Bart Millard
Hymned



Album length: 10 tracks: 42 minutes, 15 seconds
Street Date: August 16, 2005


It's been done before by many and it is sure to be done again: a member from a rather successful band decides to venture out on their own and release a solo record. This time around it's MercyMe's own lead singer Bart Millard. While at first thought it may seem odd that the voice of MercyMe would temporarily put aside his status with the band to give the solo gig a try, after listening to his single outing one could see there is even more to this frontman than what thousands of fans have come to know. Entitled Hymned, you won't find any remakes of the massive hits "I Can Only Imagine" or "Word of God Speak", instead Millard's project focuses squarely on remaking the hymns the church seems to have lost in the past decade.

Though consistently reported that Millard has no intentions of leaving Texas-based MercyMe, Hymned seems to be simply an opportunity for him to play around with his creative muscle. With Brown Bannister (Steven Curtis Chapman, Amy Grant, Rachael Lampa) on board to fulfill the production duties, Millard does just that. Because Hymned is a blend of various musical styles, it is somewhat difficult to pinpoint exactly the sound Millard was hoping to achieve with this project. Despite the fact that some may find this somewhat frustrating, the tour de genres approach is what helps set Hymned apart from a host of other records, making it refreshingly unique and original.

From the start, Hymned displays Bart Millard's knack for putting together unusual combinations of styles. The record starts with the strongly country themed "Just A Closer Walk With Thee," which manages to infuse gospel through the track's background vocals, making for a rather interesting and creative remake. Hymned rings with more country stylings on "MawMaw's Song (Sweet By & By)" where, on the verses, Millard reminisces back to his grandmother singing the old hymn in church. Jazz influences surface later on "Softly & Tenderly," while "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" (with guest vocals by Russ Taff) brings a southern gospel feel to the project. Millard further steps out to tread into new territory when he works out a blues/swing vibe in "Have A Little Talk With Jesus." To help add to the uniqueness of the project, Robert Randolph, Vince Gill, and Derek Webb all make guest appearances on Hymned. Considering the array of styles on Hymned, whether it be country, jazz, soul, or gospel, everything is put together quite well to avoid the possibilities of being viewed as "hodgepodge." Through each musical exploration, Millard also displays his vocal versatility, delivering nicely on all ten tracks. The only thing that appears to be lacking, and sorely missed, is the pop/adult contemporary sound that helped launch MercyMe into the Christian music spotlight. Though somewhat of a disappointment, avoiding the band's signature sound is understandable in order to create a project that allows Millard to step out on his own.

With amazing success already under his belt from MercyMe, it is yet unknown if Millard will continue to offer up solo projects. Since Hymned seems to almost completely skip over the ever-popular pop/rock stylings, some younger music fans may find themselves passing on this project. Nonetheless, if you consider yourself a fan of the older church hymns or the growing trend of remaking them, Hymned is a worthy addition to your collection.

- Review date: 8/5/05, written by Lauren Summerford



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!


. Record Label: INO / Simple Records
. Album length: 10 tracks, 42 minutes and 15 seconds
. Street Date: August 16, 2005
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Just A Closer Walk With Thee
  2. Maw Maw's Song (Sweet By & By)
  3. Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior
  4. Have A Little Talk With Jesus
  5. My Jesus I Love Thee/ Tis So Sweet
  6. Sweetest Name I Know
  7. Power in the Blood
  8. Softly and Tenderly
  9. Precious Lord, Take My Hand
  10. The Old Rugged Cross
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH



This Friday, June 27, 2025
ALBUMS
7eventh Time Down We Praise You [BEC]
The Browns 25th Anniversary: Better Days Ahead [StowTown]
Franni Cash Wild Child - EP [Capitol CMG]
Matt Crocker interlude [Anotherland]
Jimmy Fortune Songs of an American Dreamer [Gaither]
Roxanne Grace Road Trip - EP [DREAM]
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise The Live Reunion: Washington, DC [James Town]
Kutless The Seventh Seal - EP [BEC]
Evvie McKinney It Ain't Over - EP (independent)
Rusty Shipp Capsized Empire (independent)
SEU Worship A Forgiving God [Provident]
The Shimmering Carnelians The Doorway (Version 2.0) (independent)
We Are Messengers A Thousand Times - EP [Curb]

SINGLES
Anchor & Braille Rattlesnake - Single [Equal Vision]
ANTHNY imposter syndrome - Single [Provident]
Blanca Right On Time - Single [Curb]
Landry Cantrell & Elenee sunshine & rainbows - Single [DREAM]
Eddie Clark Never Content - Single [Syntax]
Colony House Atomic - Single [Roon]
Megan Danielle Preachin' To The Choir - Single [Provident]
Drea LP & OnBeatMusic Don't Try Me (DTM) - Single [Syntax]
Joseph Habedank Running to Me - Single [Daywind]
Lonnie Hunter Flow (Like A River) - Single [Uncle G]
Kashh Kade HELP - Single [Syntax]
KB x KEANU Keanu's Song - Single [Provident]
Tasha Layton Singing In the Dark - Single [BEC]
Tasha Cobbs Leonard The Hand That Keeps Holding - Single [Motown Gospel]
Tim Lovelace Celebration of America Medley (feat. Charlie McCoy) - Single [StowTown]
Lecrae Tell No Lie (feat. Jackie Hill Perry) - Single [Reach]
LO Worship The Perfect Love of Jesus - Single [Integrity]
Patrick Mayberry Thank The Lord - Single [Provident]
Michael Monroe John The Baptist (feat. Chris Renzema) - Single [Provident]
Alexander Pappas A Great Awakening / Un Nuevo Despertar - Single [Integrity]
PEABOD Summer in Seattle - Single [RMG Amplify]
Rave Jesus Walk On The Water Remix (From The Chosen) - Single [Provident]
The Rocky Valentines Nat Song - Single [Velvet Blue]
Saints In Exile & Cutright My Dead End (ft. Jeannie Ortega, Luc DiMarzio, Jericko) - Single [Syntax]
Emilie Weiss Take Care (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]

DVD
Jimmy Fortune Songs Of An American Dreamer DVD [Gaither]

Next Friday, July 4, 2025
ALBUMS
Chad Cory America [DREAM]
Tenielle Neda The Way Of Love [Wings]

SINGLES
Christian Back Now - Single [DREAM]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images