Frequency Podcast

As one can attest from their April 24 take over of 21 digital billboards in NYC’s Times Square, no one is going to accuse Hillsong Worship (nee Hillsong Live) of being understated or subtle – well, at least in terms of promotion. Their latest collection, No Other Name, released this week, coincides with the Hillsong Church celebrating 30 years of ministry. After such a bold statement, the question is whether Hillsong Worship can deliver the goods with this 11-song offering. We set loose contributor Jessica Collins to find out and research the reviews. Read on to enjoy the results of her labor. The Consensus Frankly, it was difficult to find a dissenting voice. Critics were effectively universal in praising the release, yet they were not effusive in their response. A common thread among comments is an appreciation for the tasteful and inspired interweaving of classic hymns with new songs. Hillsong hasn’t abandoned their tried-and-true big anthem approach, and they continue to execute it well and resist being lulled into formulaic product. No Other Name appears to demonstrate a continuing commitment by Hillsong to produce quality, Christ-focused worship and to be a resource to the universal church. Hallels Review Link: http://www.hallels.com/articles/2095/20140627/hillsong-worship-no-other-name-album-review.htm Key quote: “Yet, the album forges ahead onto new grounds. Instead of diluting their lyrical content by borrowing stacks of clichés from their secular peers, they have harkened back to the rich heritage of the church giving these songs a heftier theological depth and dimension.” New Release Tuesday Review Link: http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/albumdetail.php?album_id=14045 Key quotes: “…they continue to resource churches around the globe with brand new songs that consistently make up the most anticipated worship album year after year.” “Ever-committed to resourcing individuals, worship teams and churches alike, the Hillsong Worship team seeks to bring songs that are as diverse as the greater Church herself is.” Christian Music Review Review Link: http://christianmusicreview.org/hillsong-worship-no-other-name/ Key quote: “One thing you can always count on from Hillsong and that is singable, passionate songs that glorify God and express faith and devotion to Christ…No Other Name points us towards Jesus, the only One whose name has the power to release us from everything that attempts to drag us down. “ Louder Than the Music Review Link: http://louderthanthemusic.com/document.php?id=4395 Key quote: “These are songs that will draw the worshipper closer to God…the songs are much gentler and intimate. We have become so used to Hillsong albums that are very much ‘in your face’, with big powerful guitars and drums producing anthemic praise songs, but these songs let the worshipper breathe a little bit more and sit in the presence of the King of Kings.”