The Collingsworth Family “Classics and Hymns” Album Review

Prime Cuts: The Center of My Joy, His Strength is Perfect, Jesus is All the World to Me

Overall Grade: 5/5

The Collingsworth Family's latest Gaither Music album, "Classics and Hymns," is a testament to their musical versatility and talent. Filmed at Nashville's esteemed Fisher Center, this album features the family's unique interpretations of their favorite hymns and Gospel classics. The family, led by highly accomplished musicians Phil & Kim Collingsworth and their children, Brooklyn (Blair), Courtney (Metz), Phillip, and Olivia, has mesmerized audiences worldwide. Their instrumental prowess, with Kim on the piano, Brooklyn and Courtney on violin, and Phil, Sr. on the trumpet, adds a rich layer to their performances.

"Classics and Hymns" opens on a lofty high. The family gets us thinking of heaven with the traditional sounding "We'll Understand it Better By and By / Heaven's Jubilee." Speaking of things heavenly, the family's seamless harmonies on "The Center of My Soul" are pure celestial. Top marks must also be awarded to the musicians who bring out an added layer of warmth with their impeccable pickings. Rich Mullins' "Sing Your Praise to the Lord" gets an extended classical introduction before giving the family to burst forth into joyous praise.

Never one to resort to recycled sounds, their doo-woop acapella take of "Sweeter as the Days Go By" is stunning. Fans who love the epic orchestral sounds will love their rendition of the hymn "Jesus is All the World to Me." The marriage of the lush scores and the gentle tinkering of the piano make this hymn sound extra sweet. The family's take on Bill and Gloria Gaither's classic "God on the Mountain" is essential listening. The song's lyrics never fail to inspire: For the God on the mountain, is still God in the valley/When things go wrong, He'll make them right/And the God of the good times, is still God in the bad times.

For those seeking more profound musical experiences, the Collingsworth Family's rendition of "His Strength is Perfect" is a must-listen. Originally written by Jerry Dean Salley Jr.  and Steven Curtis Chapman, this song's message, His strength is perfect when our strength is gone/He'll carry us when we can't carry on, remains as relevant and impactful today as it was over 30 years ago. If you appreciate beautifully executed songs with timeless messages, the Collingsworth Family's "Classics and Hymns" is a perfect choice.

 

 

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