Hymn to Life (album)

Hymn to Life
Studio album by Timo Tolkki
Released	28 January 2002
Genre	Baroque Pop
Label	Nuclear Blast
Producer	Timo Tolkki
Timo Tolkki chronology
Classical Variations and Themes (1994) Hymn to Life (2002) Saana – Warrior of Light Pt 1 (2008)

Hymn to Life is the second solo album by Finnish musician Timo Tolkki. Unlike his first solo album (Classical Variations and Themes), Hymn to Life does not present Tolkki as a classical heavy metal guitarist, but as a diverse songwriter. The album presents Tolkki's personal beliefs and thoughts about life, and encourages the listener to believe in themselves throughout. The album's lyrics also bring about strong criticism of religions.

Tolkki purposely avoided genre labels on the album, including elements of pop, rock, and classical music. The song "Father," which is Tolkki's tribute to his late father, is influenced by doom metal. The album did not receive positive reception from the metal audience, possibly owing to its non-Stratovarius sound.

The track "Hymn to Life" includes a speech from the film The Great Dictator delivered by Charlie Chaplin.

Track listing

1. "Primal (intro)" - 0:20
2. "Key to the Universe" - 4:05 (feat. Michael Kiske)
3. "Now I Understand" - 4:24
4. "Divine" - 4:32
5. "Little Boy I Miss You" - 4:37
6. "I Believe" - 5:27
7. "Are You the One?" - 5:05 (feat. Sharon den Adel)
8. "Father" - 6:24
9. "Fresh Blue Waters" - 4:16
10. "Dear God" - 5:09
11. "It's Xmas Morning" - 4:21
12. "Hymn to life" - 11:36

The Japanese Edition includes a string version of "Key to the Universe".

Credits

• Timo Tolkki - guitar, bass, vocals, keyboards
• Anssi Nykänen - drums
• Mika Ervaskari- piano, keyboards
• Michael Kiske - vocals on track 2
• Sharon den Adel - vocals on track 7

Produced and mixed by Timo Tolkki