CD REVIEW

The Hymns Collective Session 1 The Hymns Collective Session 1 presents a simplistic album cover for the start of their sessions with a burgundy guitar pick. The artwork itself alludes to an album filled with intimate and easy listening worship music by a mix of artists.

The opening track reaffirms the album cover’s intention with Katelyn Clampett’s soft croons to an intricate guitar riff in “Love Lifted Me.” The first few tracks make it seem as if the Hymns Collective is more of a spoken word album but it is not until midway through the compilation of tracks that the hymns become more prominent and are blended in to fit perfectly with the music created by the mix of guitars and percussions.

Joanna (Martino) Beasley’s lyric are not heard from the background of music, but instead sings along to a melody of keys and guitar riffs that balance out the track as a whole.

While the majority of the tracks place a greater emphasis on the soothing guitar licks than the actual lyrics, the distant yet mantra-like vocals echoing off in the background allows for a sense of tranquillity.

For those who are more fans of the lyrics, the great thing about this group of a dozen tracks is that it is not overwhelming with bold or showy instruments, but instead relies on the simplistic and organic sounds a banjo and ukulele can create when mixed in with keys and the artist’s vocals. Ultimately, Session 1 of hymns provides a pleasant mix that can pass as a record used for meditation or simply for one’s satisfaction of enjoying good tunes.

Priscella Vega