What do you think of Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, Praise for the Lord, and Songs for Worship & Praise?
Question:
I read your excellent review of the Jeffcoat Sacred Songs of the Church songbook. Our congregation is considering changing books and we are considering several of the more traditionally focused books. Have you had the opportunity to review and consider the Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs by Sumphonia? We are also considering the Praise for the Lord and Songs for Worship & Praise. I know you are familiar with Praise for the Lord. Any comments on either of these three?
Answer:
I have received my copy of Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, have been looking over it intensely, and have even done a short review of it, which I have pasted below. It may be found at Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs.
I will have to say that I like Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs and would recommend it; however, even though I was on the editorial committee I strive to be honest about both the strengths and weaknesses. I highly recommend Praise for the Lord. I wish Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs was more like it in its core selection. Unfortunately, while Robert J. Taylor, Jr. has been very helpful to me, my personal opinion is that I just don't really care for Songs for Worship and Praise because it leans a little too heavily in the direction of Contemporary Christian Music and the "praise song" genre which I simply don't like -- I realize that this is primarily a personal feeling, but I just can't help how I feel about it.
