Review

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first put in this CD. Was Hillsong a church or a denomination? What were they doing in London? PR blurbs let me know this wasn't Darlene Zschech, Reuben Morgan, et al. But who, then?

No, this isn't the Hillsong you may be thinking of. And without disparaging the original, these guys really nail it! The connecting thread is the passionate, truly sold out, leave it all on the stage approach to worship. Actually, I liken London to the United band from Hillsong. They both capture live an energy and sound that will leave you dancing, then melting, then rising up, hands thrust in the air in unashamed worship of God.

As good as the first five songs are, and they rock, the album really begins for me on the sixth track. There begins 45 minutes of intimate worship that brings to mind all the best that has come out of the UK from the Vineyard and a few others over the past few years.

"Hosanna" is a simple song of praise. It doesn't cover any new ground, nor does it reveal deep mysteries never before made known. I think about two Biblical passages that seem to say the opposite thing. One is there is nothing new under the sun, the other is sing the Lord a new song. How can we do both? Every time I listen to a new band or CD, I hear the same themes over and over again. Not that it's different in any other genre (country/western, 'nuff said). So how do we sing a new song when we always sing the same thing? Well, it's new because this time Hillsong London is singing it, and (and here's the kicker) I'm singing it with them! I mean, every time any of us join in with someone else, live or recorded, it's brand new to the Lord. Kind of like, sing today and you sing anew.

So it is with this CD... No new ground, but universal, life and love professing themes played and sung in beautiful ways that beckon one to come along for the ride. There is one moment that thrills me. Track 8 "Till I See" has begun with a wonderful I - ii - vi riff that has me gently swaying, proclaiming that "I will live to love you, praise you, etc.. till I see you face to face". Proclamation praising. It builds a little bit more, "You alone are God, You alone are worthy", then it backs down a little bit, vamp on guitar, really feeling it, then quietly sing "I lift my hands to the heavens for the Lord, my God, is here, I sing with praises of all creation, You're my everything". Building, building, then break to just the voices and it's a very powerful moment. There's something about singing in one accord with physical postures accompanying. It never fails to move me.

I'd be remiss to mention that the recording includes two cuts on which Matt Redman joins in, however the CD doesn't need to rely on "name" strength. One of the cuts, "Greatest Gift" is particularly delightful. It is vintage Redman, singing about the power of Jesus to clean us and free us.

As a worship leader, I find this album to be both personally satisfying, as well as filled with songs that, when learned and then sung with others, become the kind of 'new song" that will be a pleasing scent to our Lord. Do not overlook this album, as I'm sure we will hear much more from these folks.

Review by John Ausmus