Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Recorded live at Planetshakers Converence 2006 at Vodafone Arena, Melbourne this has more atmosphere than The Kop performing "Abide With Me". In fact, the football reference isn't entirely inappropriate as this noisy, atmospheric celebration is the praise and worship equivalent of a football crowd in full voice, full of pulsating passion but not the most beautiful or peaceful thing you've heard. The 14 songs here, penned by Planetshakers team members Mike Guglielmico, Matt Garner and Henry Seely are simple, catchy anthems declaring such things as "I'm gonna raise my hands/Gonna shout it out/Gonna tell the world/What it's all about" or "I'm taking up my cross/Laying down my life/All for the glory of your name." And in an age where so many of our youth are drowning in oceans of hedonism or despair who could argue with such positive and potentially life changing sentiments? Occasionally, the need to keep the lyrics straight forward and simple have led the composer into unfortunate cliché ("My Saviour is living in me/Redeemer, Jesus he set me free"). But we can forgive the occasional lapse into doggerel when there's such vibrancy and unbridled joy caught here as the rock guitars howl, the drums pound and the crowd react adoringly to the Name Above All Names. If you want musical subtlety or lyrical deep doctrine look elsewhere. But if you feel you want to be part of a Jesus Revolution that can begin to do battle against the strongholds of unbelief and secularism that grip our society, this double album could be a helpful kick start.

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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