Benjamin William Hastings revisits a handful of selections from his rich catalog on “How I’d Sing It on a Sunday (From the Studio).” In partnership with Worship Together — a go-to resource for worship leaders around the world — the eight-track offering trades Hastings’ quirky, experimental production for more reserved, intimate recordings that focus on the Irish-born singer’s lyrical prowess.
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Acoustic guitar, gentle strings and perfectly timed percussion accompany Hastings’ raw, emotive vocal. Although sonic elements are stripped back, the endeavor is not altogether stripped down, making the songs on “How I’d Sing It on a Sunday (From the Studio)” just as passionate as Hastings’ previous work and, perhaps, more congregationally friendly than his extended releases.
The recent Nashville transplant refreshes five selections from his sophomore LP, 2024’s “Sold Out, Sincerely,” jumpstarting the brief playlist with “If It Wasn’t For Jesus,” across which he boldly proclaims his utter dependence on his Savior. Elsewhere, he explores “I Can’t Thank You Enough” and “Abandoned” with just as much grit as the original takes possess. Although Matt Crocker and Brandon Lake joined him, respectively, on the initial album versions, these renewed iterations reveal Hastings carrying the weight of both tracks effortlessly.
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Meanwhile, void of all its bells and whistles, deep cut “Still You” — a declaration of allegiance — is, perhaps, even more poignant than its predecessor. Additionally, fan favorite “What a Friend” — originally recorded with Aodhán King — takes on a new life altogether as he enlists the musical virtuoso of friends Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan, who recently began writing and recording under the moniker CXMMXNS.
The prolific songwriters, who — either individually or collectively — have been a part of penning important global anthems like “Goodness of God,” “Who You Say I Am,” “What A Beautiful Name,” “Cornerstone,” and “Mighty To Save,” among many others, reappear on the collection’s final cover of Morgan’s “Lord, I Give You My Heart,” a ’90s worship classic that holds personal significance for Hastings.
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“I remember singing this song as a youngster at a Salvation Army music camp, and it left such a lasting impression on me. The sweet, sincere cry of surrender filled this little room, and it was in these moments I realized there was something more to this whole God thing,” Hastings shares of the well-known refrain. “Little did I know the man who wrote it would, 20 years later, become a dear friend and songwriting buddy. Getting to do this song with him is a full-circle God moment, and I’m so excited he said ‘yes.’”
Included in the short set are also a few core songs Hastings holds co-writing credit on: the joyful, triumphant “Take You At Your Word,” which he crafted with Cody Carnes and King; and the confident, Scripture-backed “That’s Who I Praise,” which he assembled with Lake, Micah Nichols, Steven Furtick and Zac Lawson.
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The latter is among the effort’s standout moments, simply because Hastings’ version is completely different than Lake’s familiar high-energy single. While Lake’s recording showcases wide open, full-throttle pop; Hastings slows “That’s Who I Praise” down to an intimate ballad that draws listeners into the room as he sings close to the mic and puts space between his airy vocal runs.
“How I’d Sing It on a Sunday (From the Studio)” offers new dimension to each handpicked track, pulling the curtain back just far enough for listeners to really engage with the depth of the lyrics — Hastings’ greatest gift. Less production allows for little distraction, placing the attention squarely on the content. Hastings’ vocals are also perfectly imperfect. He softens the edges on these songs, adjusting the focus ever-so-slightly so as to give fans an alternate perspective and, even, a different view of God.
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This fall, Hastings will provide concertgoers another glimpse into his one-of-a-kind artistry on the “Air1 Worship Now Tour,” alongside a lineup that is also set to feature Phil Wickham, Charity Gayle and Josh Baldwin.
