Men and Angels Say

Ashley Cleveland's voice is one glorious instrument. And on this stunning collection, the two-time Grammy Award winner unleashes those powerful pipes and charges up these much-loved hymns with new life. In other words, Cleveland does more than pay Sunday-morning lip service to these classics. She infuses each with a sense of passion and purpose, undoubtedly fueled by life experience. In her hands, "It Is Well With My Soul" sounds like a buoyant confession. "Power in the Blood" reverberates with edgy intensity, and "Precious Lord Take My Hand" has a swampy Delta blues flavor. Bagpipes serve as an intro to "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today," and those strains give way to a vibrant uptempo rendition of the vintage tune. Other standouts include "Holy, Holy, Holy" and "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." There's nothing like the marriage of an incredible voice and classic material. Here that union creates an unforgettable testament to faith and art.—DEP