[Hymns] Famous hymns and sacred songs. Recommended hymns and sacred songs.
Hymns and sacred songs beloved around the world.
Hymns and sacred songs are known as songs that praise the Christian God, but in Japan—where many people are Buddhist—their recognition is by no means high.
There are many excellent pieces, but the difficulty is that they can be hard to find.
This time, we’ve picked out some famous works among hymns and sacred songs.
We also explain in detail the background of each piece and the meaning of the lyrics, so even those without prior knowledge of hymns and sacred songs can enjoy it.
How about soothing a heart worn down by daily stress with hymns and sacred songs?
Please sit back and enjoy!
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[Hymns] Famous hymns and sacred songs. Recommended hymns and sacred songs (81–90)
Praise to the Lord, the AlmightyDon Moen
This song is known in Japan under the title “The Lord, the Maker,” and it praises God, who created this wonderful world.
It is sung with a warm voice by Don Moen, an American contemporary worship singer-songwriter.
The balance with the female vocalist is excellent, and listeners unfamiliar with it might not even realize it’s a hymn.
The arrangement is very easy to listen to, so it’s highly recommended for those new to hymns!
Dear Lord and Father of MankindChoir of King’s College
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind, based on the long narrative poem “The Brewing of Soma,” is a hymn imbued with an earnest prayer to God and sung in chapels around the world.
This rendition is performed by the Choir of King’s College, featuring a magnificent crescendo that unfolds in step with the song’s scenes.
At times sung as if speaking, at others with resolute power to convey conviction, the hymn conveys profound thematic depth.
Please lend an ear to the gentle voices and melodies that bring peace to the heart.
Love Divine, All Loves ExcellingTim Brace
This is a hymn by Charles Wesley, a leader of the Methodist movement.
The hymn’s theme is the ultimate and eternal “perfection” that belongs to God alone.
Among the roughly 6,500 hymns Wesley is said to have written in his lifetime, this is one of the most famous and beloved.
It is said to be based on “Fairest Isle,” the song sung by Venus in the semi-opera King Arthur, composed by Henry Purcell with a libretto by John Dryden.
Hymn No. 142 — Lord Jesus of GloryIsaac Watts
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” is one of the four great hymns of England.
It was published in 1707 in Hymns and Spiritual Songs under the title “Crucifixion to the World by the Cross of Christ.” Since then, it has been included in every hymnal, translated into many languages, and spread throughout the world.
Canticle Of The SunJon Sarta
The Canticle of the Sun by Francis of Assisi, a monk.
It is a hymn that praises God through all the things He has created.
John Salta, a pianist, served as the Director of Music and Liturgy at the Catholic Church in Winter Garden.
Please enjoy his pop-style hymn piano performance, influenced by blues, gospel, and jazz piano!
Joyful JoyfulLauryn Hill
The song performed in the final scene of the film “Sister Act 2,” which sparked a gospel boom in Japan, is “Joyful, Joyful,” led by Lauryn Hill, who later became famous in the hip-hop world as the vocalist of the Fugees.
It’s a hymn that uses the melody from the fourth movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No.
9, and the movie features a further arranged version.
The lyrics, which thank God for His love and praise His presence, combine with the powerful voices of the choir to create a dynamic sound.
If you’re interested in hymns or gospel music, “Sister Act 2” is a must-see!
[Hymns] Famous Hymns and Sacred Songs. Recommended Hymns and Sacred Songs (91–100)
Whispers of HopeHayley Westenra
“Whispers of Hope” is a hymn created by quoting the Epistle to the Hebrews from the New Testament.
Its lyrics are based on the Epistle’s portrayal of the Jewish people—referred to as Hebrews—who, though suffering, held onto hope and believed in Jesus.
There is a solemn version sung in churches with a choir, as well as a country-style rendition performed by the American musician Jim Reeves.
In Hayley Westenra’s version, her beautiful voice and the all-embracing lyrics are sure to bring healing to your heart!