Joey+Rory ‘Hymns That Are Important To Us’

Written by: Kelly Meade (1/31/16)

Husband & wife duo Joey + Rory have been touching the lives of listeners with their music for the better part of the past decade. From their time competing on the 2008 season of the CMT series “Can You Duet?”, to the family friendly variety show baring their name on RFD-TV, to the personal blog, This Life I Live, with which Rory documents their journey, faith has remained their cornerstone & foundation with the couple never shying away from sharing what they firmly believe in. That same unwavering faith has been at the forefront as they have shared details of Joey’s courageous battle with cancer over the past two years. Hymns That Are Important To Us is a collection of beloved songs hand picked by the couple. It is an album that Joey has always dreamed of recording to share with fans and it is sure to be a lasting legacy long after the Lord calls her to her heavenly home.

On the opening song, “Take My Hand, Precious Lord”, we hear a simple accompaniment to the sincere plea within the lyrics which flows nicely into the following track, “I Surrender All”.

The duo’s rendition of “Softly And Tenderly” causes you to slow down and really listen to the words. In this hectic, fast-paced world, sometimes it’s easy to get sidetracked & pulled astray. Here we are reminded that even through all the noise, Jesus is there calling us back to Him.

For many of us, “Jesus Loves Me” may be one of the first songs we learn as children. That reassurance is something that goes beyond a Sunday school melody that we never outgrow the need to remember.

“It Is Well With My Soul”, “The Old Rugged Cross” & “How Great Thou Art” each capture the power & grace of our Savior with poetic beauty.

Closing the album is an original song, “When I’m Gone” which is a poignant message to comfort a grief -stricken loved one as they experience loss. This song was originally included on the couple’s 2012 album His And Hers. Here just a few short years later, the couple had no idea how real the words would become in their own life as they face the coming days. Rory explained in his January 6, 2016 This Life I Live blog post that he feels the song was brought to them by God to help their family through this time.

As you listen to this album, you can hear the honest, joyful spirit in Joey’s voice as she sings these familiar favorites. Rory lends supportive harmonies that compliment his wife’s heartfelt tone. The music is beautifully arranged allowing these timeless classics to shine.