By Bethany Sanderson/reporter
Aftermath, Hillsong United’s latest album released Feb. 14, is an outstanding example of yet another solid compilation of Christian songs.
The songwriting has excelled since the band’s beginnings in 1998. Even though the band has evolved, its passion remains the same.
Hillsong United, an Australian praise and worship band, formed as part of the youth band at Hillsong Church in Sydney.
The band is fronted by worship leaders Joel Houston, who is also the creative director for Hillsong Church, Jadwin “Jad” Gillies and Jonathan “JD” Douglass.
The team includes a collaboration of pastors, worship leaders, musicians and songwriters.
A household name among many modern Christian families, Hillsong United has the “go-to” discography for many churches around the world.
After releasing its full-length film I Heart in 2009, Hillsong United took some time off for a season of rest in its local church.
Aftermath, the band’s 12th full-length album and second in-studio album, has a much deeper tone and lyrics that reflect all seasons of life, the journey of a Christian life.
With a breath of new life in its latest songs, Hillsong United’s music style of “hard worship” or “rock worship” only shows in portions of this newest album. The 13 songs flow from one to the next with ease while the cadences of the drum and piano beats initiate each new lyric. The album feels like a new evolution of worship.
“Like an Avalanche,” the third track on the album exemplifies the band’s craftsmanship and its belief in the ultimate grace and beauty of God. The track showcases the beautiful lyrics, sung by Jill McCloghry. “Search My Heart” and “Light Will Shine,” sung by Matt Crocker and Douglass, respectively, portray a more upbeat and unique sound for the album. “Go,” sung by Crocker, sounds most like the Hillsong United songs made popular among the generation of Christian youth.
Instrument use in the album is phenomenal. With worship songs, instruments play a major part in setting the worship atmosphere.
In the low drumbeats and guitar hums of track five, “Aftermath,” sung by Marty Sampson, is a great example of subtle instrument accompaniment to the singer’s worship 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.”
From beginning to end, Hillsong United has produced a unique, new revolution of worship, a spectacular example of true, unequivocal ease into worship for the listener.
