MercyMe's lead singer Bart Millard will release HYMNED on August 9th with INO Records.

In rememberance of the hymns his grandmother sang to him as a child, the album will contain Millard's signature voice with a musical fusion of Texas blues, traditional gospel, and classic southern influenced hymns.

Being described as a "refreshing and exceptional musical journey," HYMNED was produced by Brown Bannister and features guest vocal appearances by Vince Gill, Russ Taff, and labelmate Derek Webb, and guest musicians including country singer Steve Warner and Robert Randolph (see full track listing below).

About his inspiration for this project, Millard explains, "My grandmother, Ruby Lindsey, was an amazing woman. I have a vivid memory of her singing every song on this record to me and my brother growing up. Of course she sang hundreds, so I just had to weed through them and choose my favorites."

Further describing his love for hymns, he says, "My wife and I grew up together in a church where we sang hymns every Sunday – there was no such thing as contemporary worship – these hymns were as contemporary as it got."

"All of our memories are fond of that time – no matter how boring or great it was, we just smile looking back on it now. So, when my 3 – year old son Sam was born, it hit me that he probably wouldn't have these memories that we have, and it was just kind of sad to me. I hope this record will help me share these special songs with him."

Studio footage and diary of the musical journey of making the record will be featured on the new DualDisc format of HYMNED. This combines music, video and other features on a single, two-sided disc that plays on existing CD and DVD players.

1. Just A Closer Walk With Thee
2. Mawmaw's Song (In The Sweet By and By)
3. Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior (Featuring Vince Gill)
4. Have A Little Talk With Jesus
5. Precious Lord, Take My Hand (Featuring Russ Taff)
6. Softly And Tenderly
7. Sweetest Name I Know (Featuring Robert Randolph on steel guitar)
8. Power In The Blood (Featuring Steve Warner on electric guitar)
9. My Jesus I Love Thee / 'Tis So Sweet (Featuring Derek Webb)
10. The Old Rugged Cross