Faith: A Hymns Collection Hampton VA

Faith: A Hymns Collection

Avalon

Sparrow, 2006

http://www.avalonlive.com

REVIEW BY: Michael Ehret

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 03/21/2007

In the eyes and ears of many, Avalon is the epitome of modern corporate pop music. Their vocalists have come and gone – six since founding in 1996 – and yet the sound remains the same. Pretty faces, whether male or female; pretty voices, ditto; pretty songs about pretty faith all tied up with pretty bows.

But, perhaps the worst charge leveled against them is that they are trend-chasers rather than trend-setters (O2: Avalon Remixed anyone?). And with their eighth studio album, Faith: A Hymns Collection, that charge definitely sticks.

And yet, it all continues to work together so well.

In an era when almost everyone except Rod Stewart has recorded a hymns/worship album, what makes Faith work so well, besides Avalon’s obvious talents, is its commitment to the material. The project could have been a by-the-numbers Avalon project and sold in the kajillions. How ironic is it, then, that the most risks group members Jody McBrayer, Janna Long, Greg Long and Melissa Greene have taken in years is with an album of old hymns?