HILLSONG UNITED - All of the Above

Hillsong has a reputation for churning out great worship music and could be accurately described as one of the most influential forces in both the church worship experience and the CCM music industry. The latest release from Hillsong United, the youth band from the renown Hillsong church, entitled All of the Above, will likely be added to their long list of successes. The record starts off with a rock driven tune called "Point of Difference." Musically speaking, it is filled with energy and would have the youth around the world jumping around and praising, however other than the hook line and title I couldn't make a fair judgment lyrically. Though the group hails from Sydney, Australia the lyrics are usually more understandable than on this particular cut. It frustrated me a little that even when I really focused on trying to understand the lyrics I couldn't make out about 50% of the words that were being sung. "Break Free" was in the same musical vein and features a different male vocal that was a little easier to translate, though not lyrically impressive from a songwriter's standpoint. "Desperate People" slows things down and brings a mellow feel to the album, and melodically proves why Hillsong is so successful. "Devotion" helps strengthen the lyrical integrity of the record and musically encourages worship. This is what Hillsong is known for and the quality of music that I expect to hear from them. The album is arranged in the order that you would probably hear the band do their live set. There is a great overall flow and listening to it naturally draws worshipful emotions out of your soul. "Lead Me to the Cross" is the first female lead on the record and quickly becomes of my favorites. She weaves a beautiful tapestry of song with her heartfelt vocals and leaves you wanting more. We hear more, a song later on "Hosanna," another one of my favorites on the record. The only thing I didn't care for about this song, is a particular instrumental sound that sounds like a siren. It was extremely annoying, unnerving and at times frightening. Thankfully it was only for a few measures. This tune is followed by one of two "Selah" times on the record, which are kind of spontaneous worship songs. Very cool! "Solution" and "My Future Decided" are reminiscent of the first of the record, with their heavy rock vibe. "Never Let Me Go" serves as a nice bridge into the last few worshipful tunes, "You" and "Saviour King." Musically speaking this is a solid record. The lyrics failed to impress me or even inspire me on several of the cuts, which was disappointing, but I probably am a tad more harsh as a songwriter than most of United's youthful target audience. They will love it! I appreciated the natural flow of the record and the different vocal sounds they offered by switching leads. Though I don't care for this effort as much as their last one, I would have to say there are still at least 4 songs on this record that will be sung worldwide, and saying "that ain't bad" is an understatement.