Reviewed by Phil Thomson Here is a feast for the eyes as well as the ears - as the camera soaks up the spirit of Hillsong's major conference concert of the year. Inevitably, the pivot of the live recording is the wonderful singing and direction of Darlene Zschech, whose presence is everywhere to be seen and heard. But what a team! And what a gathering! The massed ranks of expectant worshippers offer their sacrifice of praise in wave after wave, with alternating soloists and augmented band playing their hearts out for the lens. From spiky dance songs to tear-inducing prayers, the music simply pours over you track on track, with plenty of high roving panoramas and intimate close-ups to keep you glued. The team have again set the standard in "captured" live worship - everyone in the auditorium deeply in thrall to the Holy Spirit at work, with no sense of intrusion. It is the kind of viewing which requires a prepared mind (and heart) as behind-the-scenes come to life, the Scriptures unfold, the personal stories get aired (mostly on the second CD of special features) and the music sweeps us up into being there. There is no doubt that Hillsong's influence on contemporary praise music sets it apart as the voice of worship across all generations, harnessing the very best in music, film production and graphics with consummate skill and - most importantly - sensitivity to the event . We get a glimpse of their range in the subtitles - English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Bahsa Indonesian, traditional Chinese, modern Chinese, Japanese, Korean (and occasionally, Australian!). Before long, these songs will be a part of your own weekly offering. This package rises way above entertainment.
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. Interested in reviewing music? Find out
more here.
|
all of there music sounds the same