(Music Review) SaintSong by Sarah Hart

SaintSong by Sarah Hart (SpiritandSong.com, 2009)

Most often, when we think of Catholic music, we think of traditional hymns or the beautiful Gregorian chants that are so intrinsically a part of the history of Western Christianity and the Catholic experience. Music in the Church, however, has evolved into a blend of traditional and contemporary liturgical music that evokes both the beauty of the Catholic musical tradition and the Christian call to praise God in all ways.

With SaintSong, singer-songwriter Sarah Hart has merged traditional Christian texts with a contemporary folk-pop sound to create an album that is beautiful, timeless and reflective. Each of the twelve tracks is based on a text from some of the Church’s most revered mystics, doctors, theologians—men and women whom the Church honors as saints. Sarah’s unique sound and vocal prowess shine new light on the beauty and wisdom of each text—guiding the listener to an understanding that each text is as relevant today as it was when it was written.

Sarah Hart spent six years on this project. The artist’s dedication and commitment to the album, to the texts and her love for God is clear. Each song stirs the soul and leads one to prayerful reflection. Perhaps no other song encompasses the message of all the texts as much as “Reflection.”

Based on a text by German-born mystic Mechtild of Magdeburg, “Reflection” reminds the listener of God’s immense love for each human being—a love that started before the creation of the world and will remain eternal. That is the message of each of the saints’ writings used in this album: God is love and it is the call of that love that moves God’s creation. It is that same call of love that Sarah responds to and shares with the Church in this beautiful and heartfelt collection.

SaintSong also includes a devotional guide that offers reflections from Sarah Hart, a brief biography of each saint, information about the text, and a guided reflection in the style of the lectio divina. The guide can be used in ministry and private prayer and reflection. This album is a great addition to any home or church.