In an era when the definition of religious music has expanded to include everything from Christian death-metal to gospel rap, it's nice to know one can still find an album of traditional prayerful tunes. MORE THAN 50 MOST LOVED HYMNS collects popular church songs performed in a sweeping orchestral/choral style that will evoke warm memories of the grand holiday cathedral services of yesteryear.

Perhaps inspired by the sounds of angels on high, the music here is majestic in a vintage MGM film-score manner, complete with huge string sections, tinkling harp, and vocals soaring to the heavens. Highlights include the Celtic-tinged "This Is My Father's World," which features an Irish pennywhistle, and a particularly exuberant version of "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee," which promises to uplift even the most spiritually bereft. The perfect soundtrack to a devout Easter or Christmas celebration, MORE THAN 50 MOST LOVED HYMNS is equally good for the ears and the soul.