Review

The newest offering from Hillsong Music is a two CD set entitled Hope. The opening scripture that is quoted on the liner notes is from the book of Proverbs; Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams come true, there is life and joy. That joy is evident not only in the songs penned by veteran writers Darlene Zschech, Rueben Morgan and others, but in the worship that happens through the recording as well. This is truly classic Hillsongs style worship with big glorious arrangements of the songs and attention given to every detail of this live project which was recorded in the brand new Hillsong Convention Centre in Sydney, Australia.

The CD opens with lots of energy with the song Better Than Life. This song has the feel of a rock anthem which expresses in a very fresh way the goodness of God. From there Hope dives into worship for the next five songs on the disc. A couple of these more worshipful songs struck me as good possibilities to do in our church. The song Glory based in part on Psalm 24 is a strong call to worship that is reminiscent in the way it feels to, Shout to the Lord. Track seven, Angels is a really wonderful song, and with the lyrics set in a ¾ time signature, it feels as if it just transports you right before the throne of God.

Another strength that Hope exhibits is diversity. When most of us think of Hillsongs music we think of Darlene Zschech. While she is still obviously the driving force behind Hillsong music, there are so many other talented songwriters, vocalists, and musicians that give their skills and abilities to this project. Tulele Faletolu and Marty Sampson are two of these musicians who have co-written the song, Cant Stop Praising. As a worship leader, it seems that it is always more difficult to find great up-tempo praise songs. Cant Stop Praising is a fabulous up-tempo song with a great groove that explores the perplexities of trying to describe God all the while being overwhelmed by His love.

Our church is going to be focusing on missions in the upcoming year. Two songs on the bonus disc will work extremely well for this purpose. They are tracks five and six; To the Ends of the Earth and Free respectively. Both of these songs remind us that as we worship God, we need to be mindful that there are others in the world that need to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and that it is our responsibility to tell them.

That is really the focus of this entire CD; that in, God, we have a hope that the world cant take from us and at the same time we need desperately to give it to them. Im sure that as you listen to Hope you will enjoy it more and more with each listening.

Review by Bryan Bloom