Artist: Hillsong London
Album: Shout God's Fame
Format: Audio CD
Bitrate: ???
Track Listing:
01. Shout Your Fame
02. My God
03. Gonna Be All Right
04. You Are My Rock
05. You're Here with Me
06. Centre of My Life
07. I Will Go
08. History Maker
09. Here I Am (Father's Love)
10. For This Cause/Eagles Wings/Carry Me (Worship Medley)
11. In You I Stand
12. King of Majesty
Album Review
This Hillsong London CD, "Shout God's Fame," has an energizing, rocking, shout-it-from-the-roof-top style that captures the live aspect of worship, praise and proclamation.
This is the first live album from Hillsong Church London was recorded at the Mermaid Theatre. "Shout God's Fame" CD features songs that evoke a corporate re-commitment, stirring action and response in the body of Christ. Songs like track 7, "I Will Go," remind believers of our call to the great commission given by Jesus. Song 8, a redo of the Delirious? classic, follows with the affirmation that we."Want to be History Makers in this land.." and to take action to make a difference. Then, "Here I Am" leads believers through singing a prayer of personalized offering to live our life as servants of Jesus Christ. Hillsong London's progression of songs guides worshippers to a place of personal and corporate commitment to the lordship of Jesus.
Musically, there is some variation. The second song, "Gonna Be All-Right," was a bit lengthy and had sort of a Brady Bunch feel. "I Will Go" is played in a minor key and has great potential for adding Latin rhythm instruments.
What comes across immediately is that the writers and musicians have their fingers firmly on the British teen pop pulse and as a result 'Shout God's Fame' sounds as though it has been marketed for this age group. For example, the title track is very much in the vein of guitar-driven pop that the likes of Busted dish up and there is more than a touch of Robbie Williams' "Rock DJ" in the chorus of "Gonna Be All Right"! These similarities aside, the material here is of good quality and is lifted by top class musicianship. Amongst the highlights are "You Are My Rock" - just for the sheer power of the delivery - and the Latin American "I Will Go" complete with chanting vocals and a sweet but all too short piano solo. Most of the songs are originals but Martin Smith's "History Maker" makes a rather predictable but well-presented appearance.
"Shout God's Fame" is an excellent worship resource tool and a fresh call to the body of Christ for recommitment.
Review was compound from Worshipmusic.com and Crossrhythms.co.uk
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Hillsong London - Shout God's Fame (2004)
Monday, September 11, 2006
Hillsong London - Jesus Is (2006)
Artist: Hillsong London
Album: Jesus Is
Format: Audio CD
Bitrate: 160kbps
Track Listing:
01 Lord Of All Listen
02 Only One For Me
03 New Day
04 Follow The Son Listen
05 Let The Whole Wolrd Know
06 Hosanna
07 Saviour's Love
08 Till I See You
09 I Lift
10 The Greatest Gift Listen
11 Where The Love Lasts Forever
12 Above All
13 How Great Is Our God
14 Jesus Is
As the lights came down at the Dominion Theatre, a lonely piano line echoed throughout the room as giant LED screens glided into place from the ceiling. Suddenly an intense explosion of music, lights and video erupted off the stage declaring with boldness that Jesus is Lord; and with that the 2nd live praise and worship recording at Hillsong Church London was underway.
On Sunday 2nd of October around 7000 people came together at London’s Dominion Theatre to take part in this latest recording from Hillsong London. The recording also featured worship leader Matt Redman, who co-wrote one of the songs with the London team especially for this project.
With a collection of brand new songs as well as some more familiar, this is a recording that at its heart, boldly carries the message that Jesus is not just some obscure prophet or figure from ancient history – but is in actual fact, Lord of all.
This recording marks a new chapter in the journey of the team here in London with a maturing of the sound and musicianship as well as a marrying together of strong melodies and striking media images to further engage people in the worship of our Lord and King, Jesus.
Album Reviews
Lord of All
“Lord of All”, which gets a great reaction from the congregation, starts off with a prolonged instrumental which sounds very effective. The lyrics are very simple and say that Jesus is the Lord of all. The lack of good quality lyrics is made up for with an energetic drum beat and great harmonies.
The Time Has Come
The explosive “Only One For Me” sings of wanting to live your whole life for Jesus, as He is the only one we need. This is another fast-paced Christian music song, which has great interesting music and a memorable chorus.
It’s A New Day
What it is like to become a Christian is sung about in the Christian music song “It’s a New Day” which sings of grey becoming colour and having the ability to see everything more clearly. Although this song does not praise God, it seems to be much loved, especially when the volume is cranked up and everyone is encouraged to dance. This song seems more like one that is found in a concert, not a church praising God.
Follow The Son
Fast lyrics and fun music begins “Follow the Son” which is another Christian music which does not praise God. The lyrics sing of what Jesus did, and what we will do to worship Him. This is a good Christian music song to have on this album as it is so enjoyable to listen to, but unfortunately lacks in depth lyrics.
Let The Whole World
“Let the Whole World” is another energetic song which sings of giving everything to God and always following Him. The lyrics, which are set to a dull tune, can be heard from the congregation for the first time in this album which adds a nice atmospheric touch to this Christian music song.
Hosanna
“Hosanna” is a refreshing break from the previous fast and loud songs. This slow and gentle song sings of the joy they feel that everyone will praise God one day. The pleasant tune is sung along to by a female lead which creates a more calming atmosphere.
Saviour’s Love
The over long “Saviour’s Love” is repetitive and simply sings the title over and over again which can quickly become dull. Unfortunately, the Christian music is also bland and hard to get into to. Overall this is a very disappointing song.
Till I See You
The quiet beginning in “Till I See You” makes it hard to hear what is being sung. This is a sleepy Christian music song with repetitive singing, and so is boring to listen to. The lyrics which sing of living to see Jesus come back again and always trusting in God are sung very blandly, which is a shame as this could have been a great upbeat song.
I Lift My Hands
“I Lift My Hands” is the shortest song on the album, and consists of only one sentence being sung over and over again. There is an increase of volume throughout which helps the congregation get into the Christian music song a bit more, although I am sure they preferred the atmosphere to the song.
Greatest Gift
Matt Redman now leads us through the unexciting song “Greatest Gift” in which the grace of God is said to be the “greatest gift”. The chorus is sung over and over again which becomes very repetitive but shows that Hillsong is more comfortable with this kind of Christian music song. This song achieves a great atmospheric response from the audience which sounds good on record, and so was probably planned.
Where The Love Lasts Forever
“Where The Love Lasts Forever” praises God for the cross and says that we will always be thankful. Although slow and gentle to begin with this Christian music song becomes much more interesting as it progresses with a rise in volume and added excitement from the worship leaders and congregation.
Above All
Heaven is sung about in the song “Above All” with vague lyrics that don’t have much meaning. This is a very energetic song with explosive music that people can dance along to – which is very important with Hillsong. Probably one of the most fun Christian music songs to listen to on this album, it’s just a shame about the empty lyrics.
How Great Is Our God
A touch of familiarity is now brought into the recording with the extremely well-known “How Great is Our God” written by Chris Tomlin. The lyrics in this song simply praise God as He is great, and the song is easy to remember and sing which is probably why it has become so successful. Unfortunately the lyrics are very empty, and even though it might be fun to sing (and enjoy the atmosphere surrounding this song) it is not fun to listen to.
The lyrics of “Jesus Is” sing that one day we will all praise God. It is sung without any emotion or excitement, which is a shame as the lyrics are upbeat. This Christian music song is over-long, slow and very quiet which is not a good ending to “Jesus Is”.
