What makes Greatest Hymns by Selah notable?

'Greatest Hymns' reached No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart and was well-received for its fresh take on beloved hymns. The album helped to revitalize interest in traditional hymns among younger audiences and showcased Selah's ability to bridge generational gaps within contemporary worship music. Released on August 23, 2005, 'Greatest Hymns' marked Selah's fourth studio album, solidifying their presence in the contemporary Christian music scene. At this point in their career, the trio had already established themselves as prominent figures following their earlier successful albums, including 'Bless the Broken Road'. This album continued their trend of blending classic hymns with modern musical elements.

How many songs are on Greatest Hymns?

Greatest Hymns has 15 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

Greatest Hymns

Selah · 2005

63 min · 15 tracks · contemporary Christian music

Timeless hymns reimagined with lush harmonies and contemporary arrangements, inviting reflection and worship.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Amazing Grace — This rendition features a soaring vocal arrangement that elevates the classic hymn into a powerful contemporary experience, highlighting Selah's signature harmonies.
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How Great Thou Art — The track showcases an emotional depth through dynamic shifts in vocal intensity, capturing the essence of reverence that the hymn embodies.
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Be Still My Soul / What A Friend We Have In Jesus — The medley beautifully intertwines two beloved songs, emphasizing comfort and solace through its thoughtful arrangement and heartfelt delivery.
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His Eye Is On The Sparrow — This track stands out for its poignant simplicity, allowing the listener to deeply connect with its message of divine care and attention.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

Selah's arrangements of classic hymns offer a fresh take but remain conventional in structure and style.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate medleys, seamlessly transitioning between multiple hymns within a single song.
The pacing varies, with some tracks maintaining a steady tempo while others build to more dynamic climaxes, particularly in the choruses.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Be Still My Soul / What A Friend We Have In Jesus

The bridge shifts in tone to emphasize trust amidst turmoil, contrasting personal struggle with divine companionship.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Be Thou My Vision 3:17
2 Great Is Thy Faithfulness 5:38
3 Bika Mona Ve (Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior) / It Is Well 5:42
4 There Is A Fountain 4:01
5 Amazing Grace 3:27
6 How Great Thou Art 6:12
7 His Eye Is On The Sparrow 3:42
8 Be Still My Soul / What A Friend We Have In Jesus 3:56
9 By And By (We'll Understand It Better By And By) 3:32
10 When I Survey The Wondrous Cross 4:02
11 Part The Waters / I Need Thee Every Hour 3:12
12 Precious Lord, Take My Hand / Just A Closer Walk With Thee 5:08
13 There Is Power In The Blood 3:08
14 O Sacred Head, Now Wounded 4:46
15 Be Thou Near to Me (feat. Jim Brickman) 3:31

What to play next

Listen next

Bless the Broken Road: The Duets Album

2006

Go back to

Hiding Place

2004

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contemporary Christian music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata