Reviewed by Brendan O'Regan

As I was listening to this album what struck me most was the strength, variety and distinctive nature of the voices - Chris Eaton, Chris McClarney, Derri Daugherty (who also gets engineering credits), Aaron Keyes, Sarah Sadler, Tim Hughes, Andy Bromley and Katie Gustavson. This updating of classic hymnody by some modern worship leaders and CCM acts will find a receptive audience. I didn't find any killer track, but it was interesting to find a new version (by Chris McClarney) of the evergreen "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" though it's not up there with Mark Heard's version. Likewise in "Christ The Lord Is Risen Today" Chris Eaton freshens up Charles Wesley's words, though for me Ashley Cleveland's rock version is still the premier version. Kingsway could have designed a better sleeve - the title and cover suggest something more old-fashioned, but on the whole a reasonable updating of timeless hymns.

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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Kingsway has always striven to be a champion of songs of substance. Over the years our artists of excellence have helped to craft a fresh body of work that has been sung by Christians all over the world. By bringing together the best of both the timeless and current, their modern hymns have become contemporary classics, with a lifespan that will outlast their creators.

Modern Hymnal 2.0 brings fourteen songs such as O Church Arise by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty, Psalm 62 by Aaron Keyes and Salvation Song by Stuart Townend, this is a strong body of work.

Worship leaders Chris McClarney, Aaron Keyes and Derri Daugherty provide the bulk of the vocals, and the album is presented in partnership with Lifeway – the Southern Baptist publisher and retailer.