Hillsong Music Australia:: "Blessed (Live)"

Title: Blessed
Category: Praise & Worship
Artist/Group: Hillsong Music Australia
Rating: 5 / 5
Responses to this review (1)

Blessed Now That You Are Near Shout Of The King Made Me Glad Through It All Son Of God One Desire Magnificent I Adore All I Do With You Most High King Of Majesty All The Heavens

Although I have never written a music review before, I agreed to review the latest Hillsong album, because I was so blessed by it and wanted others to get a chance to listen to it. The album, entitled Blessed, is by the Australian praise team and ministry led by Darlene Zschech, whose most well-known song is the old favorite "Shout to the Lord."

I have always been blessed by Hillsong's music, but I think this is their best album yet. It has a totally new, contemporary sound, with much more complexity in its guitar work, especially with the electric guitar. A lot of people like Hillsong for their slow songs, but fast-forward through their cheesy, fast ones (with all of the horns and bad disco-sounding rhythms). This album is very different - there is only one fast song that you may want to skip). Also, there is a good balance between slow and fast songs, and many new songwriters are featured.

The songs are incredibly God-focused and worship-inspiring. The words are so simple, but really proclaim the different attributes of God. The sincere and passion-filled voices and instrumentals make it evident that there was a lot of prayer behind this album and recording. Even though I am involved with the praise ministry at church, it has been a while since a song really hit the core of my heart and made my whole body want to get up and praise along, which is what the songs on this album do for me (and I really thank my husband Dave for introducing this album to me).

You might already be familiar with some of my favorite songs from this album because you have heard them at church. The praise team did "With You" and "Most High" at this past year's missions conference, while the AM-service choir has done "Blessed" and "Through It All".

If you get a chance, buy this CD. I also have the DVD, and it's worth watching too. It's even more awesome to see the songwriters and musicians worshiping live. Seeing the thousands of people in the audience (which is also their church congregation) really makes you feel like you are there. You can sense the Holy Spirit's presence even though you're just watching it on your screen. I highly recommend this album. It is money well invested.

By the way, there is a new soloist on this album, on "Magnificent", and "King of Majesty". I can't remember his name, but his voice is so soothing and full of soul. He sounds like Lenny Kravitz and Brian McKnight blended together, singing for the glory of God. Ladies, he's wonderful!

Discography (not a complete list)