Home Free REACTION #28: "How Great Thou Art" | Singer-Songwriter Reacts

[@yvonnemager9085]

I believe Adam Rupp did the sky high harmony line. This is my absolute favorite song by them. Thanks for the great reaction!

[@jill9837]

Yep that's right, it was

[@wolfe6220]

Tim has always said that Adam had the widest range and I believe it!

[@carolburnett190]

I have chills and am misty eyed even though I’ve listened to this well over 100 times. Adam’s tenor is sweet (the term that always comes to mind) and it’s beautiful to hear it. Their harmonies in, and the arrangement of, Helplessly Hoping is another one that brings chills. There’s something so special that happens when they use the 5-part harmony. Thanks, Cole!

[@Cat-fi4ie]

Adam Rupp is doing the very high notes . Tim and Chance are doing bass together. The Harmonies in this song is EPIC. Love this rendition. It's truly my favorite

[@jankreps5115]

The harmonies and video location are Humphries best creation!! They found this location when they were on tour in Europe. Tim sent information back to Darren Rust their producer who created the arrangement. He recorded each part & sent it back to home free for their approval! Shortly there after the video crew made it to the Austrian Alps to approve the scene! This is a great job by everyone involved!! Nice reaction! AdamRupp sings in Auld Lang Syne” & “Helplessly Hoping”.

[@mettesrensen6116]

@@jankreps5115 Adam only sings solo lines in Quarantine . My country tis of thee , and this one in the others he sings harmonies

[@nanadeborah8717]

Everyone is surprised at how high Adam can go,but he also can harmonize in the basement with Tim. Not surprizing since his beat boxing has those highs and lows. His voice is so pure. The arrangement is beautiful. And to be shot in the Austrian Alps was a bonus. Thanks Cole! EOV!

[@dorisgardner-mccraw4723]

The tone of the high notes lead me to believe Adam Rupp was holding those down.

[@momD612]

Tim did too. They switched off, but you can't tell the difference....that's how good they are.

[@stephaniehuffman1976]

Yes, it was Adam

[@corawilhelm4968]

That's what I believe as well. Adam has such a beautiful high register. I love when he sings

[@mimigina7439]

I’ve always assumed it was Adam.

[@momD612]

@@mimigina7439 watch the video again. And any live performance of it. 😉

[@momD612]

They have several with no beatboxing & Adam sings. Always a sweet treat when he does. 😉 "my country tis of thee", "auld Lang syne", "helplessly hoping", "amazing grace" (with peter hollens), "in the blood".... those are a few, but all are impressive & incredible ❤️ ♥️

[@CardiacCat]

Rob also is a Tenor, so it may have been him with Austin. This is my favorite Home Free song. My partner of 37 years passed away last month of cancer. On the morning he passed, I was trying to sing this to him while sitting on his bedside, but my voice was breaking up so bad I pulled out my phone and played this version for him. He squeezed my fingers as it played. He passed on over a couple of hours later. I had this version also played again at his celebration of life services. It was beautiful.

[@bryanmclarty5140]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the Almighty Himself was with these boys when they recorded this. It’s truly HEAVENLY!

[@marshac7738]

This song definitely makes me emotional--Home Free's version is my very favorite version of all the many, many I have heard 😍 Besides the unbelievable harmonies--and gorgeous backdrop of the Austrian Alps--getting to hear Adam Rupp's sweet tenor actually singing is a real treat ❣️🎼🥰🎶❤️

[@kristindunstan172]

Really enjoyed this reaction. Interesting that all your favorites include Adam singing harmony. That 5th part really makes a difference.

[@itzel1735]

There are a couple with little to no percussion. “Helplessly Hoping” is the most notable. About “How Great Thou Art”, this is not my religion, but it a beautiful song and executed stunningly well by Home Free ‘Then sings my soul’ No better words to describe the impact of this song.

[@pennygarrity386]

So glad you reacted to this. They filmed this in the Austrian Alps not far from where The Sound of Music was filmed while they were there for a a capella festival. This has become my favorite hymn and I listen to it while saying my morning prayer and thank God for blessing us with Home Free. It just starts my day right. I loved your expression when Adam did his solo of It is Well in my Soul. Most reactors don't seem to notice that in the song or that Adam was actually singing. If he's not beatboxing most don't seem to realize he's even there. His brother said Adam isn't comfortable singing lead, because he isn't vocally trained like the others but the man has a naturally beautiful voice that fits so well with the other four. Great reaction!!!

[@cmitchell7347]

Recall one reactor, who professed to having heard every version of the song over many years, going into this quite dubious but, in the end, applauding Home Free's interpretation. Some are so distracted by the scenery they pay little attention to the vocals. But it seems to resonate with everyone on some level. I enjoy any opportunity to hear Adam ...and any time we get to experience and appreciate their 5-part harmonies. Punctuating the performance with Tim and Chance's 'church organ' double bass will always be the highlight for me. An amazing example of Home Free's versatility, talent.

[@minneyruth]

This was done in the Austrian Alps ❤ did you notice Adam's little solo?? " it is well with my soul" pretty voice. This was a great reaction! ❤❤

[@sadiemc_63]

I grew up singing this in church but never really cared for this song...UNTIL I heard this version. It was like I was hearing it for the first time. Magnificent!!👏👏🙌🙌🙏

[@dianeritthaler7792]

Absolutely beautiful scenery and singing❤🎉Homefree does it again

[@ppresley9208]

This was my introduction Home Free ... needless to say , they captured my heart ... they just keep getting better and better !

[@critterwatcher8009]

Misty-eyed, and I've heard this version many times.

[@ElizabethRoss-uj8rl]

I'm fairly certain that those atmospheric high notes were Adam's. His voice is light and lovely, as you probably caught in his brief solo phrases. With 5-part harmony, it's hard to find 5 notes in the octave that fit into the most harmonic combinations, so dissonance is the natural result unless 2 or more voices are on the same note. Home Free does dissonance so wel, often teasing us with itl, resolving it exactly when it needs to be resolved. Their arrangements, especially when all 5 are singing, are beyond amazing. Who needs a a full-stop pipe organ when you can have that last chord? I'm with you all the way on this one, Cole. An aside note: You can also hear Adam's high notes in "Listen to the Music" -- as usual, usually attributed to Austin.

[@nancyholter5646]

They have mastered dissonance, haven't they? You find it in unexpected places in songs you never would have thought of. And the reaction is always a short "WTH?" followed by "ahhh.."

[@graceparker7003]

Cole I could clearly see the emotion written all over your face. How could you not feel anything? First the scenery is the spectacular Austrian Alps when they did their first tour of Europe. Adam's voice is simply beautiful and honestly, we truly don't get to hear it enough. Brothers In Arms, Helplessly Hoping and this one and I am familiar with all of their catalog of music. We get so wrapped up in Adam's ability to beatbox we forget how beautiful his voice truly is. I grew up hearing Kate Smith sing this song. Home Free brought me to my knees when I heard them sing it the first time. Don't worry about being emotional, shows you have a deep belief and that is nothing to be ashamed of. Thank you for this. Made my night. Blessings to you and yours. EOVC. Oh and I listened to this 2 times, not just once. lol

[@JoanN63]

The best version I've heard of this song.❤ A song I grew up with because I come from a Christian family where my father and grandmother were pastors. My father, who had a beautiful voice, often sang this at home (in Dutch). Home Free sings this so beautifully in a great scenery that I let my mother (85) hear and show it a year ago. Now she wants to listen to it regularly and has suggested it to her church community to show it there. How Home Free sings it, you don't just hear it, you also feel it. And it's great that Adam Rupp also sings here.

[@richb313]

Anytime all 5 are singing it is special.

[@judydavis7993]

I really enjoyed your reaction. I love how much you appreciate their talent and beautiful harmonies. ❤❣❤ Definitely a HomeFree masterpiece.

[@babyfry4775]

I got goosebumps, on my legs even! Like you said it’s top tier. I agree with your top tier too maybe adding one or two others. You know I automatically assume that high part is Austin but it might be Adam or maybe Rob but I haven’t heard Rob go that high. Adam has a nice tenor voice doesn’t he?! They filmed this in the Austrian Alps when they were touring there. Love it. This is my favorite version of this song. Great reaction Cole!🥰😍

[@rodconner9079]

Cole -- COLE!!!! YES SIR!!!! YES SIR !!!! ABSOLUTELY 100% ... Your reaction brother, is exactly as I was the 1st listen (and many after that). It is a standout for me with HF!!! Isn't this amazing! And YES -- it does (1st ever for this song) bring the emotion and chill ... REPEATEDLY!!! I've heard this performed/sung so many ways --- Some great, some good... and some :) not as good as the rest! This is the utmost amazing rendition ever !!! There are "LIVE" performances that just blow your mind (they reproduce this) on mic and off!!! To pay attention to what is going on ... really really throws a hammer into the works (gotta pay attention to each so multiple views to pick things out). Another one... Go Rest High On That Mountain (studio/vid) then the "LIVE" (County Rebel channel "Church Sessions"). Be Safe

[@justkaron]

I love the live country rebel church sessions....those are just amazing.

[@rodconner9079]

@@justkaron They are!!! :)

[@KittCrescendo]

This is done like a true choral piece, and I am here for it. My inner choir girl is in Heaven.

[@botto57]

I think the best harmonies they have done is Oh Holy Night. But they have so many . thx for the great reaction.

[@dagmar.6954]

That was a great reaction! I think this is one of the best versions of this song. Tim's bass really carries the song. I found Home Free 3 years ago & love these 5 talented guys. Their harmonies are the best in the business. This is one of the few songs where you get to hear Adam Rupp's (beatboxer) sweet tenor voice during "It Is Well". And the scenery is awesome filmed in the beautiful Austrian Alps (my dad came from that area).

[@carinarodebak9419]

What very few know, is this being originally a Swedish hymn, written 1885 by Carl Boberg, an evangelist. It has travelled around the world, sung by many artists. Many believe it's from the US, but this song started out in Sweden. There's even a special museum in Sweden about its history, where they collected many notes and recordings in various languages and tell how this hymn began it's travel all over christianity. 'O store Gud' in Swedish.

[@donnamoskowitz4978]

Your Southern roots are showing!!! Best reaction to this performance I have ever seen!!! They take me to church every single time I hear it! Your reaction and passionate comments are priceless and appreciated from one old lady from Texas to you young man from Mississippi! 🤠🤠🤠

[@kmwwrench]

This is so fabulous. Not my genre at all, but it brought me to tears the first time I heard it. Amazing arrangement by Darren Rust. Master class in 5-part harmony.

[@justkaron]

Darren Rust isn't given the credit he deserves for contributing to making Home Free what they are.

[@patriciaemeigh4370]

I would say this was an anointed rendition. When it makes someone speechless its a great reaction!!! I’m right there with you. They take you to church!!

[@patriciawoyczik1657]

It just doesn't get any better than this.....the most beautiful vocal harmonies ever! When they sing this live...its breathtaking! This was shot in the Austrian Alps!

[@roniboyd613]

So I'm gonna guess that you will be listening to this song again?! Their harmonies wring out every bit of emotion❤ What I enjoyed about their version is that they didn't oversing it by belting out any parts. I hate it when singers do that. Great reaction Cole, thank you❤

[@janarookswood4395]

this was filmed in the Swiss Alps during their last Euro tour before the pandemic forced them to end that tour early. A drone was used in a lot of the shots

[@annkline6183]

No, sorry but it was filmed before that.

[@debbienorris7307]

Many of us agree-this rendition is phenomenal!! Understandably, it has 27 million views!

[@andreaislandgirl720]

The recording might be Austin's voice overdubbed, but if you see them perform this live, you can see that Tim sings the high part during Austin's lead. He also does the high harmony (above Rob) at the end of Mayday. There are some wonderful live performances of this where they sing off-mic.

[@colombe245]

Music for the soul, that what this masterpiece is ❤❤❤ thx Cole

[@dianadickerson749]

This is why this is played at so many funeral/ memorials. With over 35 million views, it stands on its own merits.

[@justkaron]

It truly does.

[@LynnRamsay]

That was Adam with the really high harmony.

[@pamforrester844]

I am familiar with this song, imho Elvis proved why he was the king, beautiful song and thank you for the video and commentary

[@bernieregnier4500]

The capability of excellence by each of the individuals in this group is off the charts awesome that allows them the flexibility to do so many types of vocalizations and to do it exceptionally well. I have not found a genre they are afraid to tackle whether individually or as a group they are amazing. Then top that off with their arrangements that augment the presentation to be "Home Free" owned. ❣

[@vickiadkins9844]

Listened to this a bunch!! Breathtaking

[@vickiadkins9844]

Adam Rupp was doing the high, high harmony, I think

[@ericpotter4657]

Beautiful 5 part harmony filmed in the Austrian Alps near where the Sound of Music movie was filmed. I am amazed how seamlessly they incorporated IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL into the song that made sound as if it was always part of it. If you can not feel emotional with this version of the song then something is wrong. Thank you for this wonderful reaction and you have a blessed day.

[@gilliandrysdale5306]

this is beautiful and moving even if you are not religious ❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@paulacrump4679]

My favortie version of this beautiful song, so emotional. Great, great reaction Cole!!

[@paulsullivan2741]

I f you want another emotionally powerful amazing song try their cover of Go Rest High On That Mountain. I tear up almost every time I hear it.

[@gregkral4467]

Thank you for loving this with me brother. God be with you.

[@mjackson780]

Hope you will react to one of their newer songs soon. "Skull and Bones" written by Chance for a video game. It is fantastic.

[@patriciavernon9795]

I have listened to this many times and it is so beautiful it moves me to tears every time. I have shared this video with many friends and family and they are awestruck by it as well. It’s ironic that the 3 songs you mentioned that were on the top of your list are all 5 part harmony and no beatboxing. I think we need to add Helplessly Hoping to your list of HF songs to review 😀. Thank you for an awesome reaction!

[@justkaron]

We all have this reaction initially and many of us cry . It's just too glorious. This might be what Tim has in mind when he says one of their next albums might be gospel. Fans have been asking for a gospel album from them for a long time.

[@nancyholter5646]

I don't expect HF to do a gospel album, but Tim has said his next solo one will 'probably' be Southern Gospel. HF doesn't want to get pegged as a "Christian" band, and even with the few religious songs they have done they still get that title on occasion. Partly from their beautiful Christmas covers like O Holy Night and Angels we Have Heard.

[@critterwatcher8009]

@@nancyholter5646 I would love for them to do a Gospel album, but suspect you are right. They already have too many who don't want to like them because they're "country". (Though when they listen to them they usually end saying "well this song was good ... but I don't like country".

[@nancyholter5646]

@@critterwatcher8009 they are able to cover so many different genres, I sometimes think the 'country' turns people away before they find out how amazingly talented they are.

[@justkaron]

​​@@nancyholter5646I thought I heard Tim making a remark about a gospel album. Didn't realize he meant just by himself. Time will tell how it all plays out. Austin has deep gospel roots and went there in Beautiful Star of Bethlehem. Many reactors caught it and loved it. I hope they're singing together for many years to come and we may get surprises about who does what. I LOVE all of them and most of what they do. Something to ponder, Elvis only won his Grammy for his gospel work. It didn't stop him from singing his other stuff. It's natural to wonder how it will play out. I really just want each of them to be happy. They've enriched my life.

[@nancyholter5646]

@@justkaron Elvis was world famous, so having a Gospel Grammy didn't affect his career at all. But you are right - they deserve to be happy and singing what they want to, they have enriched SOOO many people's lives.

[@teresacartwright5406]

This was filmed in the Austrian Alps. The singing, harmonies & setting are terrific and Adam Rupp sings part of it. There's a video called "Home Free Kearny" in which they sing this live. When Austin was a kid he sometimes traveled and sang with his father's gospel quartet in Georgia. Adam Rupp's mother was a church music director in Mankato, Minn. HFs renditions of "Amazing Grace", "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "O Holy Night" are just gorgeous.

[@lucyFV]

Absolutely one of my favorites among many of Home Free!

[@zippitydoodah5693]

Dude. You gotta listen to Helplessly Hoping. Chance put it together. It is criminal that they did not get nominated for a Grammy for that performance. Do it.

[@joanwharff6483]

Thank you Cole…Yes, it is a true favourite of so many of us Fries ….. just toooo Amazing 🫶🏼‼️❣️🙏‼️🎵

[@tada-us1rf]

Love this song; love their version; love the setting; loved your reaction. And Adam Rupp - my goodness that man is talented! Thanks for continuing on your Home Free journey for us all to enjoy!

[@debbiehall9091]

Love this version of this song. These boys are so talented.Just like going to heaven.❤️

[@brendasorenson6186]

Gorgeous, just gorgeous. This is truly a Home Free masterpiece. My favorite version. Let's face it; the English language is inadequate to describe this song!

[@lucyFV]

“Go Rest High on That Mountain”another moving song and the video is also phenomenal!

[@starstuff84]

That crystal high harmony is Adam. He has such a beautiful crystal pure tenor. This was my grandmother's favorite hymn and I wish I could have shared this with her.

[@pamelaneal6537]

Glad you reacted to this. I think I detected tears in your eyes. That was my reaction the first time I heard it. The combination of the hymn, their sweet harmonies and the majestic scenery are simply breathtaking ❤

[@melissakay6143]

I consider this a masterpiece, as you say with Brothers In Arms. I also had chills while hearing this. Another one that struck me is their version of Mary Did You Know. This song is my fav go-to for a spiritual lift & I can't think anyone will ever sing it better. Great reaction as I understand being stunned! 😮

[@kimberlygarwood-jl5om]

This is my favorite version of How Great Thou Art. Love all their voices. This gives me chills every time I hear it.

[@valenciathequeen8994]

Just beautiful rendition of this song.👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽💐 I also love the OakRidge Boys rendition as well.

[@lisabeaver7675]

Home Free's version is my favorite it definitely goes right through me.i get very emotional on this one and that is a testament to how great they sounded. Your reaction was the same as mine i love when a reactor shows an honest emotional reaction thank you for that.❤

[@denise_landry]

Simply stunning - thanks Cole. 🖤🍟

[@wendywallis2956]

This cover of How Great Thou Art and their cover of Helplessly Hoping, are a master class in harmonies. Both are in my top 5 of Home Free. They sound like a choir of 30 rather than 5 men. I'm sorry Elvis, you've been knocked down a notch!

[@oldschoolpop8428]

Gotta hear their collab with Peter Hollens Amazing Grace! It will be the 4th one to give you chills.

[@benniek9544]

Wonderful, emotional reaction! Thank you!

[@craigcornwell9576]

This is so unreal. It was the song that got me hooked to them. Best thing I have ever heard.

[@tanyarenae1030]

Great reaction!

[@michaelriley8101]

Excellent reaction! Thanks for that!

[@rebeccagibbs8794]

Yep, THAT!!! ❤

[@karinjohansen6923]

Love your reaction! Sending much love from Maryland! :)

[@ShadowMage3D]

You need to hear their cover of Go Rest High on that Mountain.

[@anitawright7169]

This is so beautiful! He was so awesome to see Adam sing. He has a beautiful Tenor voice. Love your reaction!!

[@margfried8796]

In a recent interview, Tim said that when Austin sings and they need someone to sing above Austin in the background it's usually him. I just watched a few videos of HF doing this live, and it looked to me like Tim and Adam R. traded doing the high notes in the background.

[@catherinekane489]

This is my favorite version of this song ever.

[@carolyncostner9619]

This is my favorite version! Just an fyi, the Earl Scruggs Music Festival is being held Labor Day weekend at thr Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Springs, NC. Gan be an amazing weekend for Bluegrass.

[@PatriciaFralick-w7t]

Beautiful!! I love this song. Their harmony is absolutely beautiful. This song was filmed in the Austrian Alps and it is gorgeous. Perfect spot for this video.

[@jillchamberlain6478]

Wonderful reaction! If you have time, look up home Free how great thou art done in Kearney -- their outdoor concert was rained out, and they sang this, no mics, no ligh5s, no tracks, to the crowd as a thank you for coming. Just as amazing.

[@DiamondRioFan1]

This was the 2nd video I ever saw from Home Free (after Elvira). It's also the one that made me a Home Fry. I still get chills. I love how Adam Rupp gets the solo on "It is well" too. Great reaction, as always!!

[@annehffry3284]

This was one of the first videos I ever saw from Home Free. And this one was for sure the one that sent me down the Home Free rabbit hole. That was back in 2016. I have yet to surface. Happy Home Free addict here.

[@robladwig4561]

Home Free is Epic!

[@RightRev8487]

Absolutely incredible version! I had this played at my Mom's funeral last year. My favorite rendition, by far. Great reaction, Cole.

[@dianeritthaler7792]

What an Arrangement ❤

[@bettyjblake]

This is my favorite of Home Free. Thank you for this reaction. I just found you. Not sure if you have done Hopelessly Helping, it is a masterpiece.

[@jadaskye]

In the live performances it is apparent that Tim sings some descant late in the song.

[@roniboyd613]

Had to come back for a second listen, love your reaction❤️

[@georgefry5334]

Loved your reaction to this!. Most other reactors just don't appreciate how marvelous this rendition really is.

[@marciaramirez3791]

Super high harmony was Adam Rupp, amazing. I have heard this song hundreds of times by many, many different artists/choirs BUT this rendition is by far the best I've ever heard. From the first verse to the last it always brings me in tears.

[@mikelaney3026]

Fantastic reaction young man

[@marybradley4237]

Perfect, thank you

[@floprather4262]

Beautiful❤❤❤❤

[@teniahayzlett5988]

For another goosebumps inducing songs, try "Mary Did You Know?" ❤❤

[@antrazitaj5209]

I love their version. And a lot of people don't really hear Adams high harmony above Austin

[@connieharmon2408]

Love This One ❤

[@peggygross7409]

This is my favorite song of theirs. I first heard it while recovering from an accident. This was filmed in the Austrian Alps.

[@kristindunstan172]

I noticed Wagon Wheel playing in the background before you started the reaction. Have you done Home Free's cover of it yet? They mix it with Song of the South.