Style: Acoustic-driven folk worship; compare to Michael Card, Michael Anthony Milton
Top tracks: "Lectio Divina," "Hind's Feet on High Places," "Hail Mary"
For the modern listener, the slow, methodical arrangements of John Michael Talbot's work, with its emphasis on a gently plucked acoustic guitar, swelling strings, and melody lines carried by woodwinds, might feel more like the soundtrack to an epic film than worship music. But it is the 57-year-old minister's lyrics of pure devotion to the Lord and his lovely tenor singing that provide a soothing backdrop for prayer, worshipful meditation, or simply those quiet moments when you find yourself basking in the glory of creation.
Each had unique translation philosophies, diction preferences, and intended audiences in mind, frameworks that informed how they approached their all-consuming work.