Avalon Faith: A Hymns Collection Sparrow Records Adult Contemporary 10-17-2006

SCORE 80%

Sometimes the best way to strengthen your own faith is by hearing the stories about the lives of those who have gone before you. It's encouraging to hear about others who may have shared similar or (in many cases) worse experiences and managed to get through it by trusting in God. For this reason, it's a good idea to be familiar with hymns, as they were often written in the midst of great struggles and trials, while reflecting an earnest faith and expressing the acknowledgement of God's sovereignty.

Avalon returns for their second release of 2006, a project of hymns and other inspirational songs, entitled Faith. Opening with a short, a cappella version of "Holy, Holy, Holy," the stage is set for a worshipful outing for the vocal group. The bulk of the tracks on the album offer familiar choruses and a message of God's faithfulness, reminding listeners that we can always rely on God to lovingly care for us. Whether it's "Blessed Assurance," a song of great testimony, or "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee," a Christmas hymn put into new context, "In Christ Alone" or "On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand," the album resonates with confidence and reassurance. Though it doesn't exactly fit in with the rest of the project, "For Freedom," a tribute to the American troops, is included as a bonus track as well.

Despite the quick turnaround between Faith and Stand (a mere nine months), the collection doesn't appear to suffer in production quality, though it helps that the songs are only new in arrangement. The lively rendition of "I'll Fly Away" proves to be the highlight of the entire album, displaying a free spirited approach to the recording that's fun to listen to. Much of the remainder of the album is purposefully slow and almost melancholy, but some other standout tracks include "In Christ Alone" and the "Jesus Melody," which includes "'Tis So Sweet" and "Jesus Loves Me," two arrangements that allow the group to be a bit more expressive and creative.

Overall, Avalon does an adequate job bringing this collection to the shelves, offering a chance to get some extra music without sacrificing the quality that fans have come to expect. It's not a remarkable project, but it's a pretty solid outing for the group and one that allows them to return to their roots in a sense, performing songs that are close to their hearts and sharing the message that defines their lives. Fans of Avalon or contemporary recordings of hymns should find this release enjoyable.