Reviewed by Simon Eden

The track listing of this album comprises what may be some of the most famous American hymns such as "Blessed Assurance" with the classic refrain "This is my story, this is my song," "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" and the John Newton-penned "Amazing Grace". What the album miraculously achieves is the bridging of a generation gap taking old hymns that grandparents would sing and giving them to their grandchildren in an accessible contemporary style. The unity in cross generation worship that is achieved is exceptional. Californian-based worship leader Jadon has thoroughly recrafted each song with admiration for the original, and introduced a jazzy vibe to breathe new life into each of the hymns. However many times "Amazing Grace" has been rehashed, this version comes up with something slightly different to keep it fresh. This album is quite different from most worship/praise/hymn albums as it breaks out across the stereotypes and denominational constraints. "I Surrender All" is awe inspiring as it draws you in to sing the words that you may vaguely remember singing as a child when you were dragged to church. The most remarkable bit is that it makes you thankful to your parents for having dragged you there in the first place.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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