Reawaken Hymns is a worship resource from musician Nathan Drake that provides classic hymns in a modern setting to help your church not only connect the generations, but expose the younger generation to the great theological depths of many of the old hymns. As Nathan describes it: “The classic hymns have a unique place in the modern church, amidst the plethora of contemporary worship songs, hymns can provide a bridge between the new and the old. They can bring a depth of theology to the younger generations and a familiar connection for the older generations—a unique blend of tradition and progression. Many hymns sound surprisingly relevant in today’s worship as a reawakening of early musical traditions is happening both in popular music and church music.” Drake further points out: “These modern arrangements seek to keep the original hymn writer’s heart and intent as best as possible while updating the musical context to fit seamlessly in modern worship services. The lyrics and melodies are almost entirely as the original writers wrote them, while the music is unabashedly modern.”

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My Thoughts

I have been quite impressed with the resources Reawaken Hymns offers, including multitracks, video tracks and backing tracks–making the resource great for smaller churches with limited musicians. As I talk about often, modern arrangements of classic hymns that retain the melody and lyrics is a great bridge between the generations, helping your church achieve true unity in worship. Reawaken Hymns offers an extensive array of resources to help you engage your church in singing the hymns in congregationally friendly keys in a more modern musical setting. I am extremely impressed with the resources and the affordable cost, making this a resource any church can use. Having backing tracks, lyric videos and multitracks opens up these resources to churches of all sizes and needs.

The only downside I see is for those churches who wish to utilize live musicians who cannot play from chord charts, they will be handicapped. Do note that a number of the hymns come with piano parts you can purchase.

I do not know Nathan Drake personally, but from spending time with his site and resources, I believe he has a big heart for the local church and is passionate about resourcing even the smallest church to engage their congregations in worship utilizing classic hymns in a modern setting. Thank you, Nathan!

Kenny

Here are some things to note about the resources:

  • 77 non-seasonal hymns already produced
  • 26 Christmas hymns already produced
  • Songs are in keys that are attainable for the average singer, so they will encourage congregational participation
  • Multitracks, split tracks and stereo accompaniment tracks are available at a very affordable cost
    • Multitracks include the individual instrument stems to be used in a DAW or dedicated multitrack player.
    • Split Tracks are single WAV files with music panned right and click/cues panned left.
    • Instrumentals are the music only with no clicks or cues.

Multitracks

Multitracks include the individual instrument stems to be used in a DAW or dedicated multitrack player.

  • Multitrack purchases ($12) include:
    • Original instrument and lead vocal stems (WAV files) in both stereo and mono for use in any multitrack player or DAW
    • Ableton Project File
    • Matching chord chart in 2 Keys
    • Text file with Chordpro and lyrics
    • Original studio recording for reference

Backing Tracks

Backing/Split Tracks are single WAV files with music panned right and click/cues panned left.

  • Backing tracks (split tracks) ($5) include:
    • Backing split-track with clicks and cues (no vocals)
    • Full track (with vocals and acoustic guitar)
    • Matching chord chart
    • Original studio recording for reference

Instrumental Tracks

Instrumentals are the music only with no clicks or cues. (Available singly for $1)

 

Lyric Videos

  • Lyric videos are available with acoustic accompaniment, full band, or instrumental ($2.49)
    • The HD 1080p lyric video can be played in your live or online worship services with most worship presentation software.
    • Reawaken Hymns lyric videos may be freely used by churches and individuals for worship. For any other non-commercial use, please contact me for permission. Commercial use forbidden without written consent.

Details

  • The multitracks, backing tracks and lyric videos may be purchased in collections for cost savings.
  • Build Your Own Bundle. Choose 5 multitracks or 10 split tracks and enter BYOBTRACKS at checkout for 20% off.
  • All songs have free chord charts, ChordPro and access to the OnSong chord chart transposer.
  • Some songs have lead sheets and piano parts you can purchase ($1.99 each).
  • Some songs have a free video practice session to help your acoustic guitar player learn the song as well as a band practice session that contains electric guitar tabs, bass guitar tabs, piano play-though and drum play-through for the song. These resources are free.
  • Some hymns have acoustic arrangements and band arrangements.
  • There are a number of Portuguese songs available on the site as well.

Chord Books

These chord books feature the original hymn texts with updated and simplified chords based on the original hymn melody. The Reawaken Hymnbook is great for the acoustic guitar player and the Worship Sourcebooks are great for worship planners and based on the full band arrangements in the related albums. The sourcebooks also include related scriptures, a history of the hymn, a liturgical element for worship, and questions to spark discussion with your worship team.

Devotionals

Hymns have long been a source of comfort and peace for Christians from all walks of life. In these collections of timeless hymns, spend four weeks experiencing the presence and person of God. Each day will focus on a different hymn, including the hymn’s text, a brief history and testimony about the hymn, and a devotion based on truths found in the hymn and corresponding Scripture.

Music Audiobooks

Each devotional is also available in a unique audiobook experience that allows you to listen to the music and rest in the lyrics of the hymns before engaging with the devotional material. Includes full Scripture readings for each day. It’s basically a complete daily devotional experience in a box.

FREE RESOURCES

Reawaken Hymns also has a number of FREE resources in addition to the ones already mentioned, including:

  • Ambient worship pads
  • 85 worship elements: The ebook is completely free to download and use in your worship services. All elements are based on scripture and provide intentional, gospel-centered transitions for all worship leaders: Calls to Worship, Prayers of Confession and Assurance of Forgiveness, Benedictions/Closings, Prayers for Communion, Christmas elements and Advent candle lightings and more
  • 49 acoustic hymn videos with worship leader Nathan Drake and lyrics ready for your worship services and small groups.These videos are perfect for the small church or church plant who finds themselves needed to produce online worships sets or without a worship leader. Your church may use these lyric videos in online worship services.
  • Hymns of Lent EP, devotional and chord charts for five Lenten hymns.
    • A YouTube 12-part video course.
    Check out the entire listing of songs available at Reawaken Hymns