By the time Guy Penrod released his solo debut in 2009, he was already one of Southern gospel’s most beloved singers. After all, the strong and versatile vocalist had previously held down the lead slot for the Gaither Vocal Band for nearly 15 years. Penrod’s solo output features the same mix of contemporary ballads and church standards he tackled in the Gaither fold. At the same time, his long-standing affinity for country music and Southern rock are accentuated; records like Hymns and Worship, two of his most popular, are shot through with Nashville twang and rollicking beats that wouldn’t sound out of place in a roadhouse.