I very rarely listen to music. It's just not part of my routine. Therefore, I am not really in position to comment on this subject at all, but out of the music I still pick up, I have to say that many of them are songs that tends to stay with me comes from the hymnal.
I am not religious at all. I am more nihilist than Christian, but still in many hymns there is text and melody which I appreciate. Some examples follow: (Machine translations if not otherwise stated, sorry in advance...)
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
"As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,"
This the pledge to me He made.
Don't be afraid, there is a hidden sign,
a name that guards you as you walk your way.
Your solitude turns shores toward the light.
Don't be afraid, in the sand, trails portray.
All flesh is grass,
the flowers pass
and time all things will sever,
the word of God stands forever.
If quiet death comes me toward
when for the night I lie,
my solace is that yours, oh Lord,
I live and too I die.
Part of my fondness for these and other hymns is surely due to nostalgia: Grandpa singing and playing the pedal organ until we fall asleep in bunk beds and sofas at their summer place. But the biggest factor I think is the strength of the sense of belonging and the timelessness which these songs convey, like if we formed a part of a line with previous and future generations: Despite not fully understanding the purpose of our existence, we still strive forward together, and when one can't make it any further, someone else takes over. Even though I don't actually believe in anything bigger, it still awakens feelings in me whenever I recall such lyrics and melodies.