Proud daddy does not do it justice! Way to go buddy!

-bart

So I am on a plane heading to Chicago in the middle of a week long promo run for “Hymned Again.” Most would say, including my record label, that this is not a good time to start raving about another’s album. I have my own album to promote right? Wrong. Did I mention I am sitting on a plane in tears because I have not worshipped like this in a very long time? The guy next to me probably thinks I am a severe basket case. Oh well.

The greatest news about this amazing record is that it is absolutely free! You read right…free!

To explain in more detail let me give you a brief history lesson. A few years ago I co-owned a record label called Simple records. We only signed two artists in our brief existence, but what great artists they were and still are! First a band called The Afters and then a worship leader named Phil Wickham. You may say I am tooting my own horn a little, and maybe I am, but what we found in these acts is something most labels will seek their entire careers and not find. Hearts consumed with Christ and, not only a desire to change music forever, but the ability to do so.

Are they selling a billion records? No. But what they are doing is showing us how to advance the Kingdom of God while remaining musically relevant. Case and point…Phil has just released one of the most stunning live worship experiences I have ever heard and his single motive is to edify the body of Christ. How do I know this? Because he is not making a dime! That’s right. This life changing album is completely free. I promise you it could have made him quite a bit of money, but he demanded that it be completely free. Understand people I am in the “music business” and to say you want to truly advance the Kingdom of God is one thing, but to actually do something about it is something completely different…MercyMe included! This project has stirred something in my heart that I have not felt in many many years, and it has changed the way I view ministry. Not just because of how amazing the album sounds and the anointing it obviously has, but also because Phil took a chance for the Kingdom and I pray the body of Christ will not be the same because of it. UNDERSTAND FOLKS, THIS RECORD IS COMPLETELY FREE! There is no reason why it should not be downloaded 10 million times at least! These are the artists we were meant to root for! Brothers and sisters please go to www.philwickham.com right now and get this album, and then tell everyone you know to do the same! It is free for crying out loud! Remember if this works, more artists will follow suit. So please support Phil Wickham and be extremely blessed when you push play. When I grow up I want to be Phil Wickham…I am not kidding.

-bart

Hey everyone.  Today’s the day.  The release of “Hymned Again” and it’s already number 6 on iTunes.  You guys are awesome!  Thank you for supporting this.  Here are a few of the reviews that I was just sent from some other folks out there.  

**** (4 out of 5 stars)
“… excellent and one of the better hymn albums you’ll find. Millard sounds great as usual, Bannister’s production is typically flawless, and the recording is teeming with great musicianship…….I just hope it’s not the last, because there are too many beloved church standards and too many creative ways to perform them for Millard to wrap up a series with so much potential, or for that matter, to repeat himself musically from one Hymned to another.” – Christianity Today.com
 
**** (4 stars)
“Shuffling through 10 historic gems and one original tune, Hymned Again is a dazzling departure from MercyMe’s more pensive pop/rock fare. Flinging the door wide open for interpretation, Hymned Again brilliantly stylizes its classic catalog with western swing, brassy big band, finger pickin’ Dixieland, simple acoustic and waltzy blues and jazz… Hymned Again is an unusual and oh so wonderful blend of melody, music and history that is unfortunately rare in today’s capitalistic musical commerce.” – CCMmagazine.com 
 
“…a diversified smorgasboard offering the listener New Orleans influenced horn-driven jazz to Texas blue-rock guitar to bluegrass to… country. ” - TitleTrakk.com

“With Hymned Again, you realize that MercyMe frontman Bart Millard isn’t the least bit trendy, but he is determined to minister. It makes all the difference in the Spirit you feel through the songs… Millard makes most of these hymns memorable enough to ring in your heart as they sing through your head days later.” - Everyday Woman

“The musical styles on this collection may not appeal to everyone, but those who have a fondness for church classics or folk, country or blues music will surely enjoy this album. Warning: Spontaneous swaying, toe-tapping or head-bobbing likely to occur while being Hymned Again.” - Charisma

“A real treat for those of us longing for honest, organic music.” - Journal of Student Ministries

“There is a lot that is notable about Millard’s hymnal projects. First the song selection, Millard likes to pick old classics that are near and dear to his heart… The hymns are rearranged but they still hold a nostalgic significance of a traditional church service. The new arrangements take on a zesty New Orleans sound and Millard’s voice is in perfect form.” - Alpha Omega News.org

While MercyMe is one of the best at bringing massive worship anthems to the church, Bart Millard’s, “Hymned Again” is a collection of 12 old school hymns set to a musical background that at times makes me feel like I’m walking through the French Quarter of New Orleans about 60 years ago. I personally loved the track, “Jesus Cares For Me”. The guitars are so beautiful I wanted to cry. - Phil Wickham

Leave your review in the comments.  I’d love to know what you think.  Thanks for your continued support.

-bart

Pre-Order “Hymned Again” on iTunes

Pre-Order Hymned Again On iTunes Here!