Hymns Made Of String, Volume II packs a punch in the acoustic instrumental genre. The CD is described as "an ongoing effort to bring beautiful and inspirational music to all through the medium of acoustic guitar." Musicians Chad Woolner and David Brallier combine to successfully achieve this vision.

I've heard acoustic guitar music from both LDS musicians as well as national recording artists, and these guys are among the best of the best in my book. Having not heard Hymns Volume I, I don't have anything to compare this one to, but Woolner's decision to bring Brallier on board adds an element to the music that couldn't be achieved any other way. Their style of playing is a perfect compliment to each other. The hymns are arranged in a fashion that is simple and straightforward, but not plain or dull.

Each song is arranged in a way that generally sticks with the tune of the hymn, though there is some embellishment and improvisation. This is the key to the success of the album. When arrangements don't stray at all from the original tune, they become predictable, and ultimately boring. There is enough of an artistic arrangement to keep the songs fresh and enjoyable, but still recognizable.

Each song is relaxing and soothing enough that it would be perfect to put kids to sleep to. The music is flowing and consistent, and most songs have the backing of light strings. The arrangement of those strings is nearly perfect, as they are not overbearing of the guitar playing, but are loud enough to provide more depth to each song.

By this point in the review, you can see that this is a great CD, but wait. It gets better! There is one original tune on the album titled Galilee. This is hands-down the best song on the album. I know, this is a CD of hymns, and Galilee is an original composition, but the album wouldn't be what it is without this one. There is a melody in the song good enough to give goose bumps, and is the best acoustic guitar song I have ever heard. High praise indeed. This song is also backed by an unobtrusive cello, which again adds to the strength of the song.

I loved the CD all around. There isn't a bad track on the album. Each arrangement is fresh and full. The one thought that I have every single time I listen to the CD is "Gosh! I wish these guys would do a CD of original music!" If they could put out a CD of original music at the same caliber of Galilee, they'd give everyone in the LDS market a run for their money. I definitely look forward to hearing more from the duo.

5 Stars out of 5
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Cory Reese

01. Come Let Us Sing an Evening Hymn
02. I Stand All Amazed
03. In Humility Our Savior
04. Galilee
05. Sweet Hour of Prayer
06. Abide With Me
07. How Gentle God's Commands
08. There is a Green Hill Far Away
09. Jesus of Nazareth Savior and King
10. Joseph Smith's First Prayer
11. Jesus Once of Humble Birth
12. Nearer, My God, to Thee