Sacred Music in English

[Dave_in_Dallas]

I’ve noticed there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of Catholic Sacred Music in English, even less that is worthwhile and truly sacred. I think of songs like “One Bread, One Body” when done properly are pretty good.
I’ve noticed the Eastern Catholic and the Orthodox have some beautiful hymns / chants that they’ve transported over to English… i.e. the group Archangel Voices.
I am leary of going back and listening to Anglican or similar hymns due to theological reasons.
While I don’t expect to ever have anything as beautiful as Miserere sung in English (and sound as good as it does in Latin).
I’m looking for music to listen to at work, in the car, etc… Any suggestions?
I’m a late 60’s born Catholic who never heard a word of latin spoken, and never learned it, so I prefer English.

 

[ProVobis]

I’ve noticed there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of Catholic Sacred Music in English

These are the ones I remember from pre-Vatican 2 and I hope others will add to the list:

Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
Come Holy Ghost
Immaculate Mary
Jesus My God My All
O Lord I Am Not Worthy
Hail Holy Queen
plus lots of Christmas and Easter songs

 

[MarkThompson]

If you like polyphony, Thomas Tallis and William Byrd were English Catholics who are responsible for a substantial output of incredibly beautiful English polyphony. Just as a few examples:

Thomas Tallis, and If Ye Love Me**A New Commandment.

Thomas Tallis, Verily, Verily I Say Unto You.

William Byrd, Have Mercy Upon Me, O God.

William Byrd, Sing Joyfully.

And just for added measure, Orlando Gibbons, O Lord, Increase My Faith.