‘Hymnsongs’ by 7&7iS Breathes New Life into Old-Time Gospel Music – Opinion

These were once called “varieties shows” and they existed many many many years ago. Simple was the format. Once a week, you’d have a host, and an ensemble cast performing various musical numbers and comedic skits, with a guest star or two helping move things along. In the early days of these shows, namely the 1950s through the early to mid-1960s, not all, but some, would feature the host singing a gospel song at the show’s end. In this era, gospel artists were often able to sell their music in addition to regular releases.

Then, let’s fast-forward a few more decades. Boomers who grew up with such artists and shows are only able to recall the memories of their grandparents. It is difficult to convey to a millennial what Tennessee Ernie Ford means to you. You should just let it be.

Oder, you can bring it back to life and make a brand-new album with old brand music.

Mike Roe, of The 77s and The Lost Dogs acclaim, has drawn from his lengthy series of Saturday evening streaming shows with 77s bandmate Bruce Spencer and assorted guests to, under the 7&7iS moniker, assemble Hymnsongs. HymnsongsThe Americana Hymns Collection is an assortment of hymns written specifically for rural churches and used long before Americana music became popular. Roe, his co-stars end their shows with a hymn. I had an idea. Why not make some in the studio? It’s warm magic.

An album like this could easily turn into hokey sentimentality or kitsch. Roe manages to avoid this trap using several methods. He believes the songs he sings. The second method is through the album’s musical approach. Roe is an accomplished guitarist who, when electric guitar is required, transforms his blues-infused licks into a sophisticated, rockabilly-related, Chet Atkins-like lead sound. The music sounds authentic and doesn’t sound like the songs of sixty-five years ago.

While the backing tracks are primarily unadorned, Roe occasionally adds mandolin tones and steady bass, while keeping it simple with percussion. Roe’s vocals are respectful without schlock, and he is unafraid to add the occasional affection where suggested. This album is full of richness and colors. Hymnsongs never strays from its intended course of breathing life into hymns fallen into disuse in today’s church music world, one in which praise and worship songs invariably follow the pattern of U2 meets Coldplay, and they both lose.

Was ist das? HymnshowsThis song’s lyrical simplicity, yet its depth and sophistication is also evident. It doesn’t matter if the topic is God or a girl, and there aren’t any questions. There are also no fluffy warm fuzzy feelings of life under a cotton candy canopy. Gospel message of Christ’s crucified and raised is delivered. These lyrics are richly written. These songs are for and about people who believe fervently. They echo among the noise and bustle of cities streets calling His people home.

It makes perfect sense HymnsongsThis book was released right before Christmas because Mike Roe, along with his compatriots, have provided one of the best gifts ever. RedState is a daily journal that chronicles the follies and madness of a global society. For reminders like this, we should all be grateful. HymnsongsThere is no reason to be discouraged, regardless of the circumstances. Jesus still reigns over the kingdom, and anyone who’s read The Good Book is aware that He will triumph in the end.

Mezzo Music Ltd. can order the album.

About Post Author

Follow Us