Album Notes

From the familiar strains of "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" to the more obscure beauty of "My Lord, I Did Not Choose You," this third album from Tonya Betz has something for everyone.

Many of you may have grown up with "Grace Greater Than All Our Sin" and "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name," but many of you may not be so familiar with Robert Murray M'Cheyne's "I Once Was a Stranger."

Each of these songs has a story behind it. Each one was selected because of the message it brings. Tonya wanted to emphasize the truth of the sovereignty of God in all things, including salvation. It is His grace that saves and sustains.

While the lyrical theme remains throughout, the musical style varies, from the moody "O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus" with a strong guitar solo under the last verse that brings the song to a climax, to the country-flavored "I Will Sing of My Redeemer," to the celtic "Be Thou My Vision."

The three-part harmony in "The Church's One Foundation" sets the mood for this song of victory in the Lord. And the four-part harmony of "It Is Well With My Soul" closes out the album in strong fashion. It should be noted that the harmonies in "All Hail," "Foundation," and "It Is Well" are not the tight, contemporary harmonies most people are used to hearing today. While not exactly "sacred harp compliant," fans of sacred harp, or shape note singing, may appreciate the more traditional harmonies.

From the mellow to the majestic, each song teaches us that the Lord Jesus Christ is our only hope; He is the life-giver, the author and finisher of our faith.