7th August, 2008

JUSTIN MICHAEL

Album: This Is Our God

Artist: Hillsong

Year: 2008
Label: Hillsong Music
Web: www.hillsong.com
 
In A Word: Likeable

"The absolute stand out this year is 'Desert Song' from Brooke Fraser. Thematically a simile of 'Blessed be Your Name' and sonically not far removed from the gentle lilt of a classic Icehouse or early Crowded House sound."

So here’s the basic idea; take several of Australia’s most widely travelled and influential songwriters, add a very active church, an amazing live production crew (both sonically and visually) and one very vibey annual conference and you’ll start to get the picture...or the sound...or both.

There’s lot’s of opinions about Hillsong and, as I’ve always said, it’s easy to have an opinion about something everybody ‘knows’ about. And that’s just the point. We’ve all heard of them, and for this reviewer, I believe it’s because they just keep producing quality sounds that step up each time they lay down tracks.

The absolute stand out this year is Desert Song from Brooke Fraser. Thematically a simile of Blessed be Your Name and sonically not far removed from the gentle lilt of a classic Icehouse or early Crowded House sound.

With 17 tracks these albums do run the risk of overwhelming the listener, but there is plenty to like here including a new recording of Mike Guglielmucci’s Healer, a song written and sung whilst still suffering a life threatening illness. The refrain of With Everything will move any congregation to activation and then there’s the song that seems to be the follow up to Saviour King; Stronger. It’s a slowly building anthem that builds to the phrase "let Your name be lifted higher/be lifted higher/You are stronger, you are stronger/sin is broken, you have saved me/it is written, Christ is risen/Jesus You are Lord of all".

Visually, the DVD is quite stunning and easily carries the atmosphere of what it is like to be part of this kind of evening. The live video mix on the giant screens behind the music is something to behold and worth taking special note of. Then of course there are the obligatory bonus features which this year include a very moving testimony that gives yet another reason to find Desert Song simply amazing.

Ok, so I’m a fan...and even if you don’t think you should be, I think it’s worth putting aside an opinion for a moment and give the first four tracks a spin. Me thinks you will change your mind...and yes, that IS a challenge.