Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus saying, “Be filled with the spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord.”

Throughout my life, I have never been able to connect to the hymns of old. The thought of an old church organ and a robed choir never interested me. That is until I came across Ascend the Hill’s record, Hymns: Take the World but Give Me Jesus.

With the spread of contemporary services through the States, the American church has lost an important art to church history, singing hymns of praise, confession, and adoration with the flaming tongues above.

Alas, a record that is accessible to an out-of-the-box music listener.

On the record Ascend the Hill approached a number of classic hymns with an ambient rock setting. The band brought to life new arrangements that strung out incredible passion, continuously leading listeners into a heart of worship and praise. These attributes, along with exceptional production, are the framework of an album that has captured the repeat button.

This record brings new life and excitement to songs that can radically change a person’s life. The truths and confessions displayed in the historical hymns can bring the most wretched man to the heart of the Lord. My personal favorite from the album is the band’s version of “Oh Love That Will Not Let Me Go.” The truth’s written years ago by George Matheson after going blind and having his fiancé leave him due to his blindness are absolutely incredible. In between each original verse by Matheson, the band added a chorus that coincides with the verse. The one that spoke to me the most was the third chorus, “So anoint, me with joy. And joyful I will be.” The simplicity that was written by Ascend the Hill is quite profound and always leads my soul into a revival of giving full surrender to God.

Other great tracks include classics, “Rock of Ages,” “How Great Thou Art,” and “Be Thou My Vision.” From a musical standpoint “I Surrender All” has the most artistic creativity and movement. The entire record compliments itself. The way in which the band executed the album is extraordinary. The album has a raw feel throughout that weighs a genuine tone, perfect for a record of this likeness.This record is wonderful and a must have in any worshipper’s collection. You can download it at www.comeandlive.com or purchase it at one of Ascend the Hill’s concerts.

Released on September 14, 2010 with Come & Live! Records

Editor’s Rating
88 of 100

Tracklisting “The Love Of God” “How Great Thou Art” “Rock Of Ages” “Take The World, But Give Me Jesus” “I Surrender All” “Hallelujah! What A Savior” “None Compare (Spontaneous Worship)” “Oh Love That Will Not Let Me Go” “Be Thou My Vision”