Shirley Caesar - Hymns

Evangelist and pastor Shirley Caesar returns with a new project on Word Records entitled, Hymns. Few artists are recording hymns now-a-days, but Shirley Caesar recognizes the importance of going back to the roots of gospel music. Bishop T.D. Jakes states in the liner notes to the project, "Few Christians realize the significance of singing hymns. The singing of hymns is music to the soul. It prepares us for worship, breaking through our carnality, transporting us gently into the sanctity of real worship in the Most Holy Place." And worship is definitely what this project prepares you for.

The eleven-time Grammy, eighteen-time Dove, and thirteen-time Stellar Award winner (along with numerous other accolades) does a great job bringing these classics back to life. Rarely do we find Shirley Caesar recording an in-studio project and it's apparent she can float effortlessly between live and studio projects.

Her 36th project starts off with the Negro spiritual Steal Away. Joining Pastor Caesar is Michelle Williams, a member of the hit R&B trio, Destiny's Child. Though it seems like an odd pairing, the duet comes off very nicely as Michelle's sweet soprano voice complements Shirley's fuller, richer voice. New Direction adds their tight vocals to this song and throughout this CD. Amazing Grace is another highlight of this project. Shirley does a really moving rendition of this classic, with her own arrangement on this song and during the majority of the project. She also does a nice medley of There Is A Fountain/Room At The Cross/The Old Rugged Cross.

A songwriter in her own right, One More Battle To Fight is another good song. She also takes on some other great hymns like Holy, Holy, Holy, Come Ye Disconsolate and God Will Take Care Of You. The celebratory There's Power In The Blood will move you to the core, but Blessed Assurance is the jewel in this collection. The riveting rendition of Blessed Assurance is one of the best I've heard. You can hear the passion, emotion and intensity in her voice; her heart for God is so apparent, and with it, she truly brings down the house.

For me, this CD took me back to my childhood days when church was the last place I wanted to be. Shirley herself says, "Recording Hymns was delightful. All the songs bring back so many memories but my favorite is How Long Has It Been. It reminds me of when my mother was ill and my sister and I were driving all night to get to her...families need to stay in touch with each other because you never know when they'll be gone."

That's one thing about songs; they have the power to take you to places long since forgotten and can remind you of what's really important in life. Classics will do that to you. It's so good to hear these timeless songs reworked with the unique Shirley Caesar style she's famous for. Produced by long-time friend Bubba Smith, she has managed to take some great old songs of the church and give them her own creative twist. Although you won't hear the preaching/singing we're familiar with, you will get a chance to hear the power of her singing ministry alone - and it's strong. After more than four decades of ministering to the masses, Pastor Caesar just seems to get better with time. This is just evidence of it.