Hillsong UNITED [Aftermath]
AFTERMATH is the highly anticipated, 11th full-length album and second-ever studio recording from Hillsong UNITED that freed Feb. 15, 2011. Inspired by the `aftermath’ paradox of the Cross, AFTERMATH is also the original new album from Hillsong UNITED in over two years. The band members took the time to challenge themselves musically and lyrically. Hillsong UNITED offers a originative collection of new songs that celebrates the One who saves, redeems and is the unfeigned representation of Hope in a world where hopelessness abounds. Known for such global worship anthems as “The Stand,” “From the Inside Out,” “Hosanna” and “Lead Me To The Cross,” I eagerly await each new Hillsong UNITED release. The last UNITED studio recording was All Of The Above in 2005.
AFTERMATH opens with a new song written and sung by Joel Houston called “Take Heart.” It is an epic opening track, over 7 minutes long, and it sets the tone nicely for the new album. It’s very contemplative and reflective, similar to “A Beautiful Exchange.” Joel’s songs have always moved me and he sings with an aroused intensity. “Go” is next and will surely be the concert anthem from this album in the style of “Take It All” and “One Way.” The song includes the classic Coldplay-type guitar riffs that I eagerly expect with each new album and picks up the Brit-Rock torch from not so long ago retired Delirious?. Interestingly, the opening set of songs are the most Brit-Rock sounding on the album, as the last assorted songs transition over to a more electronic rock style, similar to Keane and Phil Wickham. I’ve been singing “The Stand”, “From The Inside Out”, “Mighty To Save”, “Soon” and a great deal of other Hillsong classics at my church for a great deal of years and I suppose there will be assorted more worship classics from this album. One of the standout songs to me is the next song “Like An Avalanche.” The female vocals are gorgeous and altho Brooke (Fraser) Ligertwood is not percentage of this album, the song engages me similar to “Lead Me To The Cross.”
“Rhythms Of Grace” is a cool song and like most Hillsong UNITED songs, it has a great melody and outstanding congregational chorus: “There is None besides You God, there is None besides You God, I live my life to shine Your light, There is None besides You God.” Title track “Aftermath” is another ballad and genuinely anchors down the theme of this album with the worshipful lyrics: “In a moment of glorious surrender. You were broken for all the world to see. Lifted out of the ashes. I am found in the aftermath.” The album changes musical styles with an instrumental interlude “B.E.” which flows into a synth-rock song called “Bones,” which has another stellar female vocal and I’d love to sing this song with fellow believers. For sure, this will be one of the most frequent songs from the new album and musically reminds me of The Killers, one of my bestloved bands. “Nova” actually grabs me with the upbeat musical style and I having seen this aweinspiring band live in concert, I suppose this to be another great song to listen performed live.
“Light Will Shine” is synth-rock at it is best, and genuinely displays the musical talent of this band. The song sounds like some mainstream substitute rock hits I’ve enjoyed over the years with an unashamed Gospel message. First single “Search My Heart” also has a pulsing electronic beat and I find myself singing the outstanding chorus all the time: “So with all my heart and all my soul. With all I am. Lord I will follow You. You took the cross. You took my shame. Restored my life. Now I live to worship You.” “Awakening” is my bestloved new worship anthem of the past year, which I hope will soon be a song I’ll be singing with fellow believers. “Awakening” has a great worshipful chorus which ends with “Let Your will be done in me,” which is the cry of my heart as well. The song also appeared on the last Passion album and most not long back Chris Tomlin’s studio album, co-written with Reuben Morgan.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
I’m impressed by the consistent quality and fresh worshipful songs that come from Hillsong United. AFTERMATH is no exception. For me, the standout songs are “Go,” “Like An Avalanche,” “Bones,” “Nova,” “Search My Heart” and “Awakening.” AFTERMATH is a must-have for your praise and worship collection.
trying something different
while i be grateful for the in depth reviews shown here, I like the whole thing. At the very least they are doing something a bit dissimilar and unexpected in having all ‘quiet’ songs rather than loud.
in a nutshell if you do not like the slower rhythm songs, do not buy it but i see it as a must-have if, like me, you are a Hillsong fan.
Totally Amazing Album
This album is totally aweinspiring with a lot of 80′s touches here and there. I highly commend the CD and hope that you buy one too. I give this Hillsong United new CD 100 “Nova” stars. My bestloved songs are “Rhythms of grace” and “Bones.” Happy listening and best blessings to all.
