Hymns for the Journey is a ten-song compilation album assembled for exclusive sale at franchise locations of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, its tracks derived from
Amy Grant's two albums of hymns,
Legacy…Hymns & Faith (2002) and
Rock of Ages…Hymns & Faith (2005). The songs date mostly from the second half of the 19th century, although they have been given contemporary pop-country arrangements by
Grant's husband,
Vince Gill, and her longtime producer
Brown Bannister.
Gill duets with his wife on "Rock of Ages," which is given a slow, mournful arrangement reminiscent of versions of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken." "Carry You" is an original
Grant composition sung in the person of God reassuring the faithful.
Grant's hymn albums were a reaffirmation of her faith and interest in gospel music after her years in the pop realm, and this is a brief best-of for Cracker Barrel customers who might have overlooked the original albums.
–
William Ruhlmann, Rovi