Precious Memories, Compact Disc [CD]

What began as a gift to his mother became a bestseller for country mainstay Alan Jackson. This fifteen song release features stripped down, acoustic country versions of treasured hymns, including "I'll Fly Away," "Are You Washed In the Blood," "The Old Rugged Cross," and more.

Precious Memories Offer Blessed Assurance

If ever you could judge an album by its cover, this would be the time. Let me paint you the picture (or just look above this review). An old, one-room, white-washed country church photographed in sienna-tinged hues of brown, black and white standing in a clearing. Simple. Graceful. Elegant…and poignant. Such is Alan Jackson’s Precious Memories.

At press time, Precious Memories tops SoundScan’s Overall Christian Albums chart. Jackson is one of only a handful of major country crooners to record an all-gospel album during the past 20 years…and the marketplace is thirsty for such a long, cool drink of water. But Jackson never really intended to release this album to the public. No, it was a collection recorded as a Christmas gift for his mama. Lucky for us, his label head got a copy, too.

In true family-tradition fashion, Jackson picked out 15 of his mother’s (and his) favorite hymns and signed up his wife and three daughters for BGV duties. Then he recorded the album in a natural, unpretentious manner, using, at most, guitar, piano and organ. And, in this case, minimalism works. With such an uncluttered background working to his advantage, the heartfelt sincerity in Jackson’s voice shines through like a ray of light cutting the darkness—which is what this album accomplishes on the whole, too.

Highlights include a rousing rendition of “Are You Washed in the Blood?” which segues seamlessly into “I’ll Fly Away” as well as earnest, ardent performances of “Softly and Tenderly” and “The Old Rugged Cross.”

Listening to Precious Memories delivers on the promise of the album’s title. You’ll feel as if you’ve happened into an old country church on a warm, lazy Saturday afternoon to witness an intimate rehearsal for the Sunday service. And you can just tell there’s gonna be a revival!

Kristi Henson – CCMMagazine.com

Average Rating:

8 of 14 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)

Reviewed by Jane (Pasadena, TX), January 08, 2010

Nice country versions of traditional hymns. I received what I was expecting and it was very nice!

Reviewed by Judy Gregory (Glendale, AZ), December 14, 2009

The best one I have ever heard. Love the old gospel songs and he does them so well. I bought one and since then bought 3 more for gifts after everyone has listened to mine.

Reviewed by Rebecca Andrews (Livingston, LA), December 02, 2009

I really enjoy listening to this cd. My best friend listened to it with me & she wants one also, so I'm ordering her one for christmas.

Reviewed by William Rodney (Pineville, LA), November 19, 2009

Absolutly the best Country Gosple CD Ever! I would recomend this CD to everyone. Every song is great!

Reviewed by Krista Francis (Salisbury, Missouri), October 27, 2009

This is an incredible CD!! Alan has the most beautiful voice, especially for praising our savior!! My 4 year old asks for "the blood" song and he is learning all the hymns in the van. Thanks Alan, I'll look forward to your next one!

Reviewed by Lillemor Wiklund (68600 Jakobstad,), September 04, 2009

it is my favorite CD..i have it in my car and I really enjoy drive now...:)

Reviewed by Kathy Thompson (Atwater, OH), July 08, 2009

Great Compact Disc. Alan Jackson does an excellent job singing the gospel music and hymms.

Reviewed by Nancy (franklin,in), April 25, 2009

this cd was given to my 96 yr old mother in the nursing home. It has been played so much it is almost worn out. The staff enjoys it as much as everyone else. She is declinig rapidly but it is still played as she lays in bed each day. When I am there I cry with each song it is such a wonderful reminder of our Sundays at our country church. What a blessing this has brought us all. Superior CD!!!I long for more of these types if hymms Alan has done a wonderful job- God Bless YOU

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