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We all know Leigh Nash from Sixpence None The Richer. The group was super popular in Christian and mainstream circles and her three previous solo albums helped cement her into the musical landscape of our lives. Nash is back after five years of solo silence with Chris Donahue on bass, Delirious?'s Stu G on guitar, Matt Stanfield (from Britt Nicole's band) on keys and Paul Mabury (Hillsong and Brandon Heath) on drums to deliver a standout project.

'Hymns & Sacred Songs' - Clean Lines and Unpretentious Delivery

• Style: Adult Contemporary
• 12 Songs
• Time: 47:17
• Release Date: November 15, 2011
• Label: Kingsway Music

Not one to add a ton of bells and whistles, Leigh Nash has taken 12 beloved hymns (both old and new) and modernized them for today while keeping them simple. A variety of instruments, balanced perfectly with the pure sound of her voice, make this possible and none of the meaning or the passion gets lost in the background in the process. The end result is both compelling and magnificent and showcases her skill as an artist and arranger.

Taking a Trip Back to My Childhood

Listening to this release reminds me of my childhood church days, singing in the children's choir while the congregation used their hymnals to sing along. Leigh Nash, of course, sounds much better than our 8 - 12 year old voices did and the band behind her gives much more life to the music than our single pianist was able to. In a nutshell, Hymns & Sacred Songs reminds me of a simpler time, when we sang the praises of Jesus wherever we were, never worrying that we weren't going to be considered "politically correct" or that someone was going to take offense to our faith.

Songs You Don't Want to Miss

"Power of the Cross" (track 5) was the first song to really jump out and grab me by the throat.

Writers Keith & Kristyn Getty lyrically presented Jesus as the hero that He was and Leigh's voice and delivery, while very mellow, adds a universal appeal that quietly proclaims His majesty.
The standout pop song on the album is "Give Myself To You." Don't let the term "pop" fool you here because the catchiness factor does not detract from the lyrical content even a tiny bit. You are everything I need. You're the air I breathe, the melody I sing. A simple love song to Jesus, yes - but pure in spirit and right on track.

"Out of My Bondage (Jesus, I Come)," my favorite track on the release, was written by William T. Sleeper almost 125 years ago. The folk styled treatment that Leigh gives it makes it accessible to young folks without losing the appeal for the older crowd.

Another song that simply demands extra coverage is "Praise The Lord Who Reigns Above." Written over 250 years ago by Charles Wesley, Nash, Chris Eaton and John Hartley give it a light rock makeover that gives it an almost anthem feel.

A Celebration

Bottom line - Leigh Nash truly celebrates Jesus on Hymns & Sacred Songs and graciously invites us, the listeners, to the party. Long after the festivities are over, the silly hats have been taken off and the cake and plates are all put away, you'll find your spirit is still in "lift mode" and your soul runs over with joy and love.

Hymns & Sacred Songs Track Listing:

1. Savior, Like a Shepherd (Blessed Jesus)
2. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
3. Isaiah 55
4. Oh Heart Bereaved and Lonely
5. Power of the Cross
6. Give Myself to You
7. Come Ye Thankful People, Come
8. Blessed Redeemer
9. Out of My Bondage
10. Song of Moses
11. Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above
12. Be Still My Soul

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Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.