Reviewed by Paul S Ganney

As this CD started up my first thoughts were "Delirious? have a lot to answer for". But the comparisons fade soon after that - this CD is squarely a worship one. The arrangements may be "performed" (otherwise they'd be dull to listen to) but it's easy to see how they'd work in a church with just a pianist, for example (despite the band being very guitar-driven). The choruses are very singable, very uplifting, very easy to pick up. The overall sound is one that'll be familiar to anyone listening to modern guitar-driven worship: a bit Coldplay, a bit Delirious? (Stu G is a member of One Sonic Society, so I suppose it's to be expected in this case), a bit Matt Redman, a bit Tim Hughes. With a CD like this, though, it's not the musicianship that determines whether or not the CD is worth buying (even though it is good): it's the songs, purely and simply. And they do hit the spot: the band say they are aiming for "songs that would be used by the church - new worship anthems that can be embraced by believers all over the world" and they hit this target well. Whether the songs will last is a different question, but I wouldn't be surprised to be singing at least one of these in five years' time. Best track: "Beautiful Savior", an opener that really draws you in and sets the tone for what is to come (although you could equally say that of "Always" or "Forever Reign", which came a very close joint second).

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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The first CD from a new band comprising former Delirious, Hillsong and Hillsong United musicians.

One Sonic Society were not created to just be another band, but rather to use their respective platforms to create songs that would be used by the church - new worship anthems that can be embraced by believers all over the world.