The set, which was a "dream project" for Joey Feek, consists of twelve covers of religious hymns, plus a reprise of "When I'm Gone," which was first featured on the duo's His and Hers album in 2012. Some proceeds of the album's deluxe edition will go towards the Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation, a charity selected by Joey Feek in honor of her daughter's friend who has Loeys-Dietz syndrome.[2]
Awarding the album four and a half stars at CCM Magazine, Matt Conner writes, "In what they knew would be their final musical release, Joey + Rory have made another inspiring and courageous statement with Hymns That Are Important to Us."[3] Kelly Meade, giving the album four and a half stars from Today's Christian Entertainment, states, "As you listen to this album, you can hear the honest, joyful spirit in Joey’s voice as she sings these familiar favorites. Rory lends supportive harmonies that compliment his wife’s heartfelt tone. The music is beautifully arranged allowing these timeless classics to shine."[5] Giving the album five stars from Digital Journal, Markos Papadatos describes, "it is absolutely fantastic from start to finish...Joey and Rory are excellent on their latest studio album, Hymns. They manage to make a superb connection with the hearts of their listeners."[4]
Reviewing the album for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Erik Ernst says, "In a transition that often makes us wallow in the grief of loss, Joey Feek instead offers hope as a lasting gift for those she will likely soon leave behind."[6] Andrew Greenhalgh, penning a review at Soul-Audio, describes, "Joey + Rory’s Hymns That Are Important To Us is a powerhouse of a listen that tells a heartfelt story. And while this story is unique to Joey and Rory, it’s ultimately one that resonates with us all, exploring pain, loss, fear head on and finding hope, grace, and forgiveness in the faith of Christ. It’s alternately humble and hard hitting and is well worth listening to time and time again."[7] Writing a review from Hallels, Timothy Yap concludes, "This album is not just important to the Feeks, but they are important to us too."[8]
Commercial performance[]
Hymns That Are Important to Us debuted at number one on the Top Country Albums and Top Christian Albums charts and number four on the Billboard 200, with first week sales of 68,000 copies, making the album Joey + Rory's highest-charting effort and best sales week to date.[9] In its second week, the album dropped to number two on the country album chart and sold an additional 37,000 copies.[10] It again topped the Country Albums chart in its fourth week, with 44,000 copies sold, with a total of 182,000 copies sold in the US.[11] The album has sold 590,000 copies in the US as of November 2017.[12]
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