Reviewed by Stella Redburn

Anyone who enjoys listening to hymns sung by well rehearsed choirs will love this. 100 of the best-known hymns from the evangelical Protestant wing of the Church. These hymns are not congregational sing-alongs but have been professionally arranged with a nice mixture of full choir, chamber choir and solo and unaccompanied verses. There are various choirs featured though bizarrely none gets credited on the album sleeve even though the arrangers are named. Paul Leddington-Wright, of Coventry Cathedral, gives us several stunning versions of old classics like "All Glory, Laud And Honour" and "When I Survey". The full sound of a big choir singing their hearts out plus cathedral organ, drums and trumpets is stirring to say the least and it's hard not to sing along. Christopher Norton gives us several beautifully arranged spirituals, sung with professionalism and joy by a smaller group to mainly piano accompaniment. I particularly liked his "Standing In The Need Of Prayer" and "Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child". Jackie Williams, of the Salford Celebration Choir, has lots of her arrangements featured and the vibrant, enthusiastic singing she inspires is a joy to listen to. With so many hymns here, ranging from typical chapel stalwarts to Fanny Crosby favourites, this boxed set is a true celebration of the art of hymn writing, arranging and singing.

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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Not one anchor, but 100. These songs that are bursting out of five discs are some of the strongest, greatest hymns of all time. In fact, if you’re after an exhaustive, instant collection of Christian hymns, this album is the one-stop-shop.

And Can It Be, Come Thou Long Expected Jesus, Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise, Onward Christian Soldiers, Be Thou My Vision, O For A Thousand Tongues, Amazing Grace, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, O For A Closer Walk With Thee, Abide With Me, How Great Thou Art, Just As I Am... need we say any more?