One would be hard put to find a hymn as well-known and loved in these past two centuries than Amazing Grace.
Originally written by John Newton–a slave trader turned preacher and abolitionist–it became prominent in the second great religious awakening, accompanying many sermons. It so aptly captured the “dangers, toils, and snares” that was the experience of a people pioneering westward and a nation that looked to no king but instead declared “In God we Trust” through the institution of a republic. “It then became the rallying anthem against slavery, adopted as an iconic black spiritual, emblematic of the American journey.” (Wikipedia)
With the development of recorded music, the unique experience and interpretation of the hymn by different artists became available to the public, Its first recording was an acapella version in 1922 by the Sacred Harp Choir. This month’s Spotify picks of this beloved hymn gives us a peek at the many ways its message of deliverance from sin continues to resonate through different arrangements.
Vocal Solo, Ensembles and Choir
- Il Divo: from the album “The Promise” (2008)
- The Tenors feat. Natalie Grant: from the album “Lead With Your Heart” (2012)
- Anthem Lights: from the album “Hymn-Capella” (2020)
- The Cambridge Singers: from the album “Sing, Ye Heavens” (2000)
- Spivey Hall Children’s Choir: from the album “Homeland” (2002)
- Women of Heart: from the album “Winds of Change” (2013)
- Andrea Bocelli & Alison Krauss: from the album “Believe” (2020)
- The Antrim Mennonite Choir: from the album “Amazing Grace” (2001)
- Millennial Choirs and Orchestras: from the album “Amazing Graze – Songs of Atonement” (2016)
- Caleb and Kelsey: from the album “Hymns” (2019)
Instrumental Winds
- Momo Sakura and Masayo Miyata: from the album “Flute Oboe” (2017)
- Hanno Herbst: from the album “Flutes – Relaxation and Meditation” (2015)
- Yoshie Ueno: from the album “Amazing Grace: Favorite Hymn Flutes” (2011)
- Amazing Grace Bagpipes: from the album “Amazing Grace Bagpipes” (2017)
Instrumental Piano
- Hymns on Piano: from the album “Hymns of Worship, Vol. 1” (2015)
- David Tolk: from the album “Grace” (2008)
Instrumental Ensemble
- Bridesmaids Quartet: from the album “Beautiful Day to Remember” (2013)
- The Violin Sisters: from the album “Wedding Music for Violin and Piano” (2017)
- Phillip Keveren: from the album “Sanctuary” (2021)
- Chun Jiyoun: from the album “Instrumental Hymns” (2016)
- Phillip Keveren: from the album “Classical Worship” (2019)
- Sang Jin Kim: from the album “Strings from Heaven” (2007)
Orchestral
- Shelly Hamilton and Majesty Orchestra: from the album “Majesty Masterpieces” (2013)
- Ian Mulder: from the album “Love Divine” (2019)
Brass and Percussion
Do you have any favorites on Spotify that is not a part of the list? Let us know on the comment section below!
Explore more hymns:
