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There are two variables in which to approach Passion's latest project, Ancient and Modern Hymns: Live Songs of Our Faith_ Either you've grown up singing classic hymns and are now involved in modern praise and worship music . . . or you love modern praise and worship music (specifically Passion) and are not familiar with "ancient and modern" hymns but are intrigued with the idea of hearing classic hymns. Stop here and make sure you have a copy of this recording.

Passion has come a long way since the 268 Generation days, and there's equal time from worship leaders Chris Tomlin, the David Crowder Band, Charlie Hall, Matt Redman, and Christy Nockels. First, the quality of this live recording compilation is impeccable. Second, it just makes sense that the next course of action for Passion is to look forward by taking a loving look back. As a worshipper who grew up singing classic hymns such as "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee," "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty," "How Great Thou Art," "All Creatures of Our God and King," and the "Doxology," among others, this recording is an absolute treat!

Getting a couple of reservations out of the way, loyal Passion worship band followers may be disappointed that there isn't a lot of the "let it rip" texture like "The Freedom Song," "O Praise Him" ("All This for a King"), or, of course, "Our Love is Loud." Think: louder Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, or Charlie Hall. Some listeners may want more intricate "Holy Roar" types of arrangements to accompany Nockels' voice ("Praise to the Lord" or "Fairest Lord Jesus," aka "Beautiful Savior"). These reservations are certainly warranted; however, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and in keeping with the traditions of these hymns that we know so well, Passion presents beauty in worship very nicely with their renditions of these hymns.

This project flows pretty smoothly, with only a few interesting but not disconcerting gear-shifts here and there. Tomlin's version of "O Worship the King" is a solid opener, and he closes the collection with "Take My Life (And Let It Be"). What's interesting is that each of the worship leaders has his (or "her"--Nockels, who along with husband Nathan and Passion worship band member, are Watermark) own trademark music style by now. That's part of the gear-shifts, but they're not problematic, specifically after several listens to this Hymns project as a whole.

Some pastors and worship leaders have noted that modern praise and worship music is excellent but we're not saluting classic hymns. Passion has bridged that gap, and _Ancient and Modern Hymns_ is an absolute must-have for those who love Passion's work and classic hymnody. And this recording might be a really neat gift for someone who loves tried-and-true hymnody but isn't really familiar with modern praise and worship. Give it a spin!

In the extra points department: the CD includes hybrid enhanced information (including lyrics and info from Passion); however, make sure your system is fully up to snuff. Windows users should be operating XP, and Mac users should be operating OS X.

Olin Jenkins  6/14/2004