Evangelicals Now
<< November 1999 >>

Looking Into Light

CD review

Looking Into Light
By Joanne
Alliance Music
£14.99 (CD), £9.99 (cassette)

I put this CD into my player, and became completely transfixed for the next hour!

If, like me, you long for the words of some of our old over-familiar hymns to come alive again, then this could be for you! There are 12 hymns featured on this collection. Some are very well-known ('Rock of Ages', 'When I Survey'); others less so: 'I Ask No Dream', 'Almighty Father Who Dost Give'. Half retain their original (but radically rearranged) tunes whilst others are given completely new ones, written by Joanne. All the words are the originals, taken from various hymnals.

The music and Joanne's airy voice combine perfectly to bring out the emotional power behind many of the words. In church, I often find that we career through hymns at a tremendous pace which, while ensuring the congregation stay awake, does little to help us contemplate what we're singing. The arrangements on this album, though, are completely unhurried and allow the listener to take in the wonderful poetic words and to meditate on their meaning.

Joanne is no newcomer to the world of Christian music. She is, in fact, the lead singer of Iona - one of the most respected Christian bands around. The influence of their Celtic-folk style can be found on many of the tracks on this album. Much of the music could be described as ethereal but it is the contrast with the occasional upbeat sections that makes the music so powerful. Most of the songs feature superb string arrangements and piano with some gentle percussion. Occasionally, a song gets the full 'Iona' treatment and we're treated to uilleann pipes and guitars too.

I feel that this album will appeal to a very wide audience. With the recent resurgence of Celtic-influenced music in the pop world (thanks mainly to the Corrs), this will appeal to many under 30s. Thanks also to the sheer quality of the musicianship, many older folk are sure to enjoy it too. I hope many others can experience the joy of having these hymns brought (back!) to life!

Jon Mason