The New Young Messiah is a contemporary arrangement of the wonderfully inspired work The Messiah written by George F. Handel in the 18th century. The story that carries of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ has the same passion now as then, and a fresh sound helps broaden its appeal to a new generation of listeners. I found it interesting to read that The Messiah was a step outside the line of acceptability for its time, with Handel encouraging the artists to improvise and embellish the original score. He would most likely approve of those who dared to tamper with tradition and ended up creating this new delight.
The New Young Messiah, released 3 years after the first revision and roughly 250 years since the original, features 17 songs in about 60 minutes. The classic full orchestra sound is tastefully updated for a more modern ear with the sounds of guitars, synthesizers, increased percussion effects, new song arrangements, and the voices of today's popular Christian singers.
The style is basically a combination of pop and jazz. Two instrumentals are included: the dynamic "Overture" and Phil Keaggy's beautiful "Pastorale." The unmistakable acapella harmony of First Call is found on "Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion," and "O Thou That Tellest..." features the enchanting blend of Susan Ashton, Christine Denté, and Cindy Morgan. Steven Curtis Chapman presents "But Who May Abide the Day of His Coming" complemented with his guitar, and Carman sings the stirring, upbeat "Glory to God in the Highest." Michael English exercises his marvelous vocal abilities in the lively "Lift Up Your Heads...," while on a more traditional turn he combines with the talents of Steve Green and Larnelle Harris on "Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs."
I mention these 8 songs, not as the ones most worthy of mention, but as a sample of what you will find on this enjoyable album. Other featured artists are Wayne Watson, Twila Paris, Sandi Patti, BeBe and CeCe, and 4Him.
If you purchased & enjoyed the first Young Messiah, don't let that stop you from checking out this one. There are 3 new songs replacing 3 of the "old" ones, and the order has changed slightly. But mostly you will find that even the "same" songs sound quite different with new scores, new instruments, and new singers. A wonderful investment, especially for Christmas-time, if you are a fan of contemporary Christian music and artistic changes to the "classics" don't distress you.
