Reviewed by Simon Eden

In the early days of Hillsong, there was Geoff Bullock and then Darlene Zschech, but now Joel Houston is well and truly in the driving seat and this album shows it. Joel (son of senior pastors Brian and Bobbie Houston) became the Hillsong Church creative director in 2008 and is taking Hillsong in a brilliant new direction. Graduating from their successful youth worship offshoot Hillsong United, their vibrant youthful rock praise songs have been given a slightly more mature edge in the recent Hillsong albums. Although Darlene's lead vocals are still present on several of these tracks, this album is radically different from the 'Shout To The Lord' era albums and this marks a significant change in direction that is going to win entire swathes of new fans and invigorate an entire new generation around the world. Thankfully Reuben Morgan's inspired songwriting still features, but it's Marty Sampson's worship leading and songs that are rightfully to the fore. Some of the lead guitar intros such as on "From The Inside Out" and "Mighty To Save" are so infectious, along with the bass line intro to "Take It All" followed by the lead guitar riff. Being a collection of 17 tracks, this compilation is value for money considering it features so many memorable worship tracks commonly used in the contemporary church. Out of all the ridiculous number of Hillsong albums, this could actually be their best one.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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