God Is Able – Hillsong Live
Once again, Hillsong does not disappoint with this newest album. The continuing tradition of musical excellence is more than upheld with its newest offering. The album starts off strong with “Rise,” immediately pulling in listeners, then raising them up to the throne of God. Upbeat, lively praise “With Us” and “The Difference” mixed in the slower, softer worship of “You are More,” “My Heart is Overwhelmed” and the closing song, “Cry of the Broken,” make a diverse music resource for any youth worker’s music library. I already look forward to translating a few of these songs to our own stage and musical setting.

Born Is the King – Hillsong
Born is the King is a quiet mix of powerful Christmas favorites with new refreshing twists. The vocals are precise with musical skill to match. With quite a few different Christian holiday albums available this year, this one stands apart from the rest. Hillsong’s renditions of “Joy to the World” and “Come Let Us Adore Him” separate them from the others. This short 6 to 7 song EP leaves you wanting more. This is a great resource for those quiet worshipful holiday nights in your ministry. It truly will set the mood instantly with your students for reflection and appreciation for the birth of our King.
–Dan Istvanik, Jr. High Youth Pastor, Berean Baptist Church, Mansfield, Ohio; JrHighUthGuy.Blogspot

For those who love Hillsongs, you will not be disappointed. This is a high-energy album with an innovative sound that captures the worshiping soul of the songwriters and the creative musicianship of the artists. My favorite tracks were “Rise,” “God Is Able” and “The Difference.” The verses of the songs are thoughtful and reflective, and the choruses are catchy. My one critique of the album is that the vocals are buried in the mix, making it hard to hear the lyrics. I would use the album in our ministry setting as house music before a service or background music during a slide presentation or video.
–Todd Szymczak, Pastor of High School Ministries, Grace Chapel, Lexington, Massachusetts. Web; Facebook; Blog

I have always been a fan of Hillsong. This album just increases that affection. The title cut, “God Is Able” is a fantastic song. What a way to remember that God is in control. I look forward to using some of these songs in our youth service soon.
–Jonathan Tripp

Hillsong trumps the temptation to be trendy for a more timeless approach in their new album release God Is Able. While your youth may not rock out to these songs in their cars, these soon-to-be crooned tunes are sure to make their way into many corporate worship set lists, and rightly so. Hillsong once again helps us praise our God in tune with His truth.

If, like Grandma, reindeer are running over your Christmas, Hillsong’s Born Is the King stands ready to resuscitate the reason for the season. Classic melodies with classic Hillsong ingenuity will help keep the reindeer paws up on the rooftop where they belong and a more Christ-centered Yuletide closer to the hearth.
–Rebecca Wimmer is a worship leader at her church, best-selling author with the Skit Guys and former full-time youth director, who now volunteers in her husband’s student ministry in Ashburn, Virginia.

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