Hope

Various artists

This multi-artist album combines traditional and contemporary songs in an accessible, easy listening style to create a gentle meditation on the theme of hope.

Produced by Chong Lim, Hope is a joint venture of ABC Music, Universal Music Australia, and World Vision Australia. Part proceeds from sale of the album go toward the work of World Vision, and Australian CEO Tim Costello provides inspiring spoken word reflections as prologue and epilogue to  the recording.

The album smoothly integrates traditional with more contemporary material and features sensitive arrangements by Lim and Andrew Naylor. Contemporary offerings include Olivia Newton-John’s melodic rendition of “Isn’t it Amazing”, Darlene Zschech’s “My Hope”, and Anna-Maria La Spina’s version of the Naylor/Hagger gospel ballad “Ever Lifted”. A capella group, The Idea of North, provides the standout performance, however, with their exquisite version of Sarah McLachlan’s poignant “Angel”.

In the traditional area, Annalisa Kerrigan delivers “Be Thou My Vision”, and Stan Walker contributes “My Help (Psalm 121)”. Outstanding performances include Mark Vincent’s sublime rendition of  Love Divine, and Naylor’s reflective, beautifully measured version of “When I Survey the Wondrous  Cross”, featuring delicate acoustic guitar.

The liner notes include lyrics, artists’ profiles and personal reflections on hope. It is hope – together with love and faith – that Tim Costello names as the way past the cynicism and despair that can paralyse compassionate action.  In Tim’s words: Love recognises no barriers. It jumps hurdles, it leaps fences, it penetrates walls to arrive at its destination – full of hope.

Grab hold of Hope.

Katrina Samaras