Sandra McCracken’s latest album, In Feast or Fallow, redefines the hymnbook. More than a catchy rewrite of traditional songs, McCracken has combined old hymns with her own. She has created an album whose lyrics are achingly beautiful psalms of despair and hope. Her title song, like all the others, catches in your throat: “When my soul is downcast, and my voice has no song/For mercy, for comfort, I wait on the Lord.” Nuanced and true, this is a must-have album. (Towhee Records)
