“Blessed Assurance: The New Hymns of Fanny Crosby” is what happens when you marry unfinished and never-before-published Fanny Crosby hymns with the craftsmanship of today’s gifted worship songwriters/artists.
This resultant project is a unique blend of the old and the new, remarkable in quality and a delightful gift to the church at large—an exceptional achievement of 15 carefully selected songs from 2,700 unpublished and unfinished compositions by this great hymn writer!
This has to be the most fitting tribute to the legacy of Crosby, published almost a century after her death!
Blessed Assurance: The New Hymns of Fanny Crosby
- The album opens with the immensely talented All Sons and Daughters singing “We are Waiting”, a mellow cry longing in hope for the Lord.
- “Not be Moved” is an up-tempo song of praise by New Life Worship featuring Jon Egan proclaiming our faith and trust in God our rock.
- “Hallelujah (King of Glory)” is one of those songs with verses of praise topped with an anthem chorus and a catchy bridge.
- “In the Blood” by the inimitable Israel Houghton + Seth & Nirva is a stirring sketch of what the Blood of Jesus has done for us.
- “Blessed Savior, Fount of Grace” is another standout hymn. Darlene Zschech’s voice is just the apt ornament for this one.
- Then we have “No One Like Jesus”, a quiet declaration of the matchlessness of Christ and our love for Him performed by veteran artist Michael W. Smith.
- The title track “Blessed Assurance” though is a rare disappointment in this otherwise amazing record. It’s just that the core melody of some songs shouldn’t be changed—and this is one such song. But, who knows, you might like it!
- “In Life and Death” by Greg Sykes passionately expresses our desire to see our Lord soon and returns the album back to brilliance.
- “Wholly Thine” is a heartfelt call to belong to Christ alone sung splendidly by Meredith Andrews
- Just when you think you’ve heard them all, we get Matt Redman singing “The Savior of All”—lovely lyrics, sweet melody and quietly powerful in arrangement.
- Then there’s “Come to the Water”, a pleasing invitation to draw closer to the Lord sung by another great songwriter of our times—Paul Baloche of course!
- “I Have Found a Priceless Treasure” is a fun performance by Ernie Haase + Signature Sound. Country fans and Gaither enthusiasts should especially love this one.
- “All is Well” affirms that no matter what happens in and around us, the Lord is all we need to be at peace. Performed by Ricky Skaggs & The Whites.
- Elias Drummer (City Harmonic) renders one of the best vocals of the record on “I Never, No Never”—emotive song too!
- “Where Could We Go” rounds off the project—fans of country and Blind Boys of Alabama would love this most (features Michael Farren too!)
Here’s a lyric video of “We are Waiting” to get you started:
[Video via YouTube]
Standout Songs
In my humble opinion, this is one of the best worship projects… ever (not kidding)! There are too many fantastic songs here to just pick a few out—trust me and go get the whole album!
The credits for performing artists and songwriters read like a who’s who list of the world of worship music. And rightfully so—Fanny Crosby deserves nothing less!
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