Worship music is constantly changing, creating new music and new sounds almost weekly. That’s a great thing, but sometimes it’s good to revisit the classics and remind believers that over the years, decades, even centuries, God’s people have been worshipping their Creator in powerful and often simple ways.
And while the lyrics stay the same, many artists give som classic hymns a new life by adding in some twists. Here’s a few of our favorites.
“In Christ Alone” – Lauren Daigle
Grammy Award-winning artist Lauren Daigle has a voice that can simply stop you in your tracks. Her original songs rightfully get recognition, but her takes on many different classical hymns are always worth putting on repeat.
“How Deep the Father’s Love” – Kings Kaleidoscope
Kings Kaleidoscope have covered countless hymns over the years, but their version of “How Great the Father’s Love” shows the band doing what they do best: taking something already good and adding a fresh twist that makes it even greater.
“How Great Thou Art” – Citizens and Saints
Similar to Kings Kaleidoscope, Citizens & Saints have mastered the art of taking a classic piece of art and turning it into something new. Their amped up version of “How Great Thou Art” matches the excitement of the lyrics in a way the original just doesn’t quite capture.
Hymn Medley (“Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” “‘Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus” and “It Is Well”) – Maverick City Music
Some things are better when they’re packed all into the same vessel: three-in-one shampoo/conditioner/body wash, the Holy Trinity, and even hymns. Maverick City Music are constantly challenge our idea of what worship can be, and in this Hymn Medley they demonstrate that hymns can come together to make something beautiful and new.
Jesus Paid It All – Brooke Ligertwood
“Jesus Paid It All” is one of the most common hymns still sung in churches today, but Brooke Ligertwood’s version adds in a Gospel choir that will simply give you chills.
“How Great” – Chance the Rapper
Chance the Rapper has built his career on combing his faith with his music, and the most stunning example of that is in “How Great.” Chance recruited Jay Electronica and his cousin to create one of the most memorable renditions of “How Great is Our God” that our ears have ever heard.
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” – Aretha Franklin
To be frank, the world will simply never have another Aretha Franklin. The Queen of Soul’s is unlike anyone else’s, and that includes her cover of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” The hymn captures the sweet friendship we have with Christ, and Franklin’s take reminds listeners that it’s both a fun and important relationship we have with Him.
“Be Thou My Vision” – Audrey Assad
It’s safe to say Audrey Assad is a big fan of hymns. Her 2016 album Inheritance featured numerous renditions of hymns, including a beautifully slow version of “Be Thou My Vision.” “For me, it was a return to the things I grew up with in an effort to seek out greater faith,” Assad told RELEVANT.
“Holy, Holy, Holy” – Hillsong UNITED
“Holy, Holy, Holy” is one of the most simple hymns sung today, and UNITED’s cover gives it the recognition is deserves. Instead of ramping it up with tons of instruments, the band keeps the song slow and stripped down to give the lyrics the space to take center stage.
“Amazing Grace” – The Avett Brothers
“Amazing Grace” is one of the most famous and well-known gospel hymns of all time. Accompanied by a banjo and an acoustic guitar, The Avett Brothers give this classical hymn a twist of country-folk vibes.
