Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Cross Rhythms has taken its time in reviewing Hillsong United's latest - it is been number one in the UK's Christian gospel charts since its release in June. It unquestionably deserves its huge sales and is surely one of the finest modern worship albums ever. Gone are the oversimplistic lyrics and predictable stadium rock arrangements of old. The lyrics are in fact both powerful and poetic. Take "Shadow Step": "You met me at the sinners' table/I found you waiting by the well, unexpected/You are always there/Tracing all my steps." Or consider the powerful "So Will I (100 Billion X)" which doesn't just express our reverence at the magnificence of God's creation but reminds us that everything from the divine hand is an act of worship ("And as you speak 100 billion galaxies are born/In the vapour of your breath the planets form/If the stars are made to worship so will I/I can see your heart in everything you made/Every burning star signal fire and grace/If creation sings your praises so will I." Such poetic and profound lyrics need epic productions and Michael Guy Chislett and Joel Houston deliver these, drawing from the Hillsong musicians epic soundscapes which deftly avoid the clichés of congregational worship and sci-fi movies. Vocals too are gripping, Joel Houston and Matt Crocker deftly deliver the haunting title track while the voice of Taya "Oceans" Smith brings tenderness, passion and reverence to several of these gripping songs. All in all, a classic of modern worship.

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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