- His Eye Is on the Sparrow
- In the Garden
- Amazing Grace
- How Great Thou Art
- I Need Thee
- Old Shep
- Jesus Loves Me
- Silent Night
- I Am the Man Thomas
- Rock of Ages
- In the Sweet By and By
- The Old Rugged Cross
- What Will I Leave Behind
- One Big Heaven
- Rain
One of the best-selling Christian albums of 2006 is Precious Memories, the first gospel effort from country superstar Alan Jackson. If its success is any indicator, then a strong response to
It's apparent some more thought went into Alabama's project, which mostly draws upon the traditional hymns and Southern Gospel standards of their heritage. The simple, quiet arrangements for country and acoustic pop rely primarily on piano and guitar with occasional harmonica, fiddle, and even a children's choir ("Jesus Loves Me"). But the group manages to avoid falling into a predictable rut with a sprightly rendition of "In the Sweet By and By," the rousing bluegrass of "I Am the Man Thomas," and a charming strings-and-mandolin take on "Silent Night" that sounds right at home with the other hymns.
A few choices seem unconventional, however, unless you consider that the album's title never says it's exclusively hymns. "Old Shep" is a sweet little weeper about a boy and his dog that only touches on faith in considering canine heaven. Lead singer Randy Owen also contributes a couple originals, and though "Rain" could be the new model for contemporary worship gone country, the well-intentioned "One Big Heaven" may give believers some pause. True, we're all God's children regardless of race, culture, denomination, or religion, but the song treads an awkward line between explicitly saying we all need heaven and nearly implying that we're all bound for heaven.
Those red flags aside,