Bart Millard has enjoyed much success as the frontman for the ultra-popular group, MercyMe. On his first solo album, 'Hymned No. 1', Bart steps out on his own and gives a set of hymns his personal treatment.

MercyMe has built their popularity on their pop, contemporary sound that made their song 'I Can Only Imagine' a mega-hit. Bart may surprise MercyMe fans by the stripped down, raw sound that accompanies the songs on 'Hymned'. He forgoes the pop sound for a blend of bluegrass, country, and rock. As you listen to the album, you're likely to feel as if you've just walked in on a southern rock band having a great jam session.

The first song on the album, 'Just A Closer Walk With Thee' is a rocking, upbeat track which gets the album off to a great start. Millard, who has an outstanding voice, shines vocally on 'Precious Lord, Take Me Home', singing with such feeling and depth. 'Have A Little Talk With Jesus' is likely to remind you of Sunday morning service at a countryside church. 'Softly and Tenderly' and 'Sweetest Name I Know' both have a hint of pop and rock setting them apart from the other hymns. 'Power In The Blood' is the outstanding track of the album. It has heavy bluegrass leanings, as does the album's closing hymn, 'The Old Rugged Cross'.

'Hymned No. 1' is an exceptional album. Bart Millard proves that he is able to create great music without the help of his MercyMe bandmates and shows awesome potential as a solo artist. Most of all, he should be commended for recording fresh, inspired arrangements of hymns that stand out at a point in the Christian music industry where hymns albums are a dime a dozen.