Hillsongs Music Australia's annual live album is probably the most looked forward to album in the worship world, and this year has been no exception. Since it's recording in spring there has been a buzz of expectation about the release of this album. The album represents a look at what the church have been learning over the past year, and Pastor Brian Houston's messages entitled "You are my world" have really inspired the congregation at Hills and all who have heard them through the expanded media. I have no doubt that this exceptional album will touch even more lives with this modern awesome worship.
The album kicks off with "Everything that has breath" led by Darlene Zschech and written by Reuben Morgan, it is another one of those Hills tracks that you hear and immediately think, "This is going to be a classic". There are others, which are faster, beatier, and things like this however there is a certain something about this track which shows that it can become a real classic. It is modern praise yet still perfect for the whole congregation to join in. Marty Sampson's "God is Great" is an exceptional track which sounds similar to some of the recent united live material, it has an explosive chorus which is a great song which is amazingly catchy and will have you and whoever else is present dancing around the room. "All of my days" is written and performed by ex-television star Mark Stevens; it is a smooth song, with a great melody and Mark's professional caliber shows through out. The exceptional backing vocals and harmonies create a superb song. The wealth of Hill's songwriting talent is shown by the fact that track four is written by yet another writer, Raymond Badham. "Emmanuel" is another lower-tempo easy listening worship song; it explores the many glorious names of the king. "You stand alone" is performed by Steve McPherson, one of the strong team of vocalists who lead at the church; it is in a similar style to the previous track, although still individual enough to stand up as a strong worship ballad. The first song on the album to be written by Darlene is "Irresistible" it is another high caliber song, which will be greatly successful in churches. It shows the true heart of worship with its lyrics showing really deep adoration for the father, "you've taken my breath away, with your irresistible love." The title track "You are my world" follows, another high point of the album, hearing 9000 people declaring that God is their world is such a great thing to hear! Marty Sampson is really a greatly talented writer and is shows on the tracks he wrote for this album. "Your Love is Beautiful" bursts into life with a vibey keyboard intro and launches into an upbeat worship extravaganza. Midway through the song there is a lengthy percussion solo with over a dozen different percussion players involved. "God so loved the world" is a slower song with a memorable, worshipful chorus, celebrating the father's love for us. "To You" and "Worthy is the Lamb" are two more strong songs written by Darlene Zschech, her skills as a writer and desire for God shows throughout. The final two songs on the album also featured on United Live's recent "Best Friend" album. "Forever" by Marty Sampson is a spirit filled anthem of worship, performed by Mark Stevens it is a great song to use in worship as it shows an awesome desire to lift high the king of kings! "My best Friend" is now a well-known anthem, with vibrant rhythms and an amazing get-up-and-dance tune, which will have people pogoing in the aisles!
The album is bound to be one of the best, if not the best worship album of the year. I would strongly advise it as an addition to any CD rack, it is some of the most listenable praise and worship music you will find, five stars.
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