Modernized Hymns: Hymns, or Contemporary Songs with Old Words?

If someone asks, “Can you get me the music for that one?” and you bring them a CD or audio file, you’re singing contemporary songs with old words. Hymns are a written tradition, contemporary songs are a recorded tradition. This is important because recorded music is inherently non-congregational. It is fundamentally a piece to showcase an individual or small group. For instance…