Hillsong Worship “These Same Skies (Live)” Album Review

Prime Cuts: Secret Place, Freedom, Resurrender
Overall Grade: 4.75/5
It has been a couple of years since Hillsong Worship released an album's worth of new material. With These Same Skies (Live) they have return to form on at least two fronts. First, gone are those sloppy song writing tropes where the hooks of songs are lifted from a hymn or an old praise song or worse still from Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus." Second, the album is more focused on Hillsong Worship rather than UNITED or Y&F. Gone is the endless list of anonymous sounding worship leaders. Back in the fold is Reuben Morgan (who has written some of their classics such as "Cornerstone," "God is Able," and "Mighty to Save") who gets to co-write three out of the 9 songs here.
Solid song writing is the earmark of this new record. Best of which is the Brooke Ligertwood co-write and led "Resurrender." Using various verses from Holy Writ about how our bodies are God's temple, "Resurrender" is a stellar specimen of how songs should delve deep into biblical theology. Chris Davenport's "Secret Place" breaks the cardinal rule of modern CCM writing by not having verses, a chorus, and a bridge. Rather, with only verses, this contemplative ballad speaks of how we need to carve out time and space for God in our lives.
Reuben Morgan spins his magic with "Freedom." Destined to be ginormous, "Freedom" has that strong anthemic built-up we have come to love from Morgan. Mi-kaisha Rose who is the team's latest find gets to lead Morgan's catchy "Surrounds Me" as well as the single "Never Walk Alone." The latter, written by Jenn Johnson, Hannah Hobbs and Ben Fielding, is more on the non-descript side. Much better is Joel Houston's "All to Him." Calling to mind Jeremy Riddle's "All Hail King Jesus," Houston puts his smoky vocals to work on this smouldering ballad that builds to a powerful climax.
Not to be missed is Y&F's only contribution "Song for His Presence." While Y&F is known for their dabble with electronica, "Song for His Presence" is light years from their noted sound. With traces of pop-country in the intro, "Song" has an appealing pop vibe showcasing the maturity of the team. Hillsong Worship is such a mainstay in contemporary worship music that you can always count on them delivering church-friendly songs. This one's no exception. It's full of songs ready to serve the church in the honor of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Tags : Hillsong Worship “These Same Skies (Live)” Album Review hillsong worship Hillsong reuben morgan brooke ligertwood joel houston hillsong y & f Hillsong United
Hot Trends
-
Recent Accident Inspires Forrest Frank’s New Single "Lemonade (feat. The Figs)"
-
"Finished" by Caleb and John: A Soul-Stirring Anthem Celebrating Christ’s Complete Victory
-
Lauren Daigle Announces New Single “Let It Be A Hallelujah” Releasing August 1, 2025
-
Two Additional Allegations Surface Against Former Newsboys Frontman Michael Tait
-
Lauren Daigle Releases Long-Shelved Worship Anthem “Let It Be a Hallelujah”
-
Samantha Ebert Unveils "No One knows," A Heartfelt Anthem for Those Facing Unseen Struggles
-
Joe L. Barnes Announces Engagement to Lauren Scott
-
Skyler Derrington, 13-Year-Old Survivor of Texas Flood, Pens “Hallelujah;” Tribute to Beloved Camp Mystic
-
Forrest Frank Turns Pain into Praise with New Single “Lemons Into Lemonade”
-
SENSERE Releases Long-Awaited Fourth Studio Album
-
John Sloan, Editor of Zondervan Books, is Retiring
-
Wanda Bell Launches LadyBellRadio.com 24/7 Gospel Music Platform
-
TAYA Leaves Hillsong Church
-
Kutless' Guitarist James Mead Hospitalized After Stroke
-
Jamie MacDonald Returns with Joyful Redemption Anthem “Left It in the River”
Most Popular
-
Recent Accident Inspires Forrest Frank’s New Single "Lemonade (feat. The Figs)"
-
"Finished" by Caleb and John: A Soul-Stirring Anthem Celebrating Christ’s Complete Victory
-
Lauren Daigle Announces New Single “Let It Be A Hallelujah” Releasing August 1, 2025
-
Two Additional Allegations Surface Against Former Newsboys Frontman Michael Tait
-
Lauren Daigle Releases Long-Shelved Worship Anthem “Let It Be a Hallelujah”
-
Samantha Ebert Unveils "No One knows," A Heartfelt Anthem for Those Facing Unseen Struggles
-
Joe L. Barnes Announces Engagement to Lauren Scott
-
Skyler Derrington, 13-Year-Old Survivor of Texas Flood, Pens “Hallelujah;” Tribute to Beloved Camp Mystic
-
Forrest Frank Turns Pain into Praise with New Single “Lemons Into Lemonade”
-
SENSERE Releases Long-Awaited Fourth Studio Album
-
John Sloan, Editor of Zondervan Books, is Retiring
-
Wanda Bell Launches LadyBellRadio.com 24/7 Gospel Music Platform
-
TAYA Leaves Hillsong Church
-
Kutless' Guitarist James Mead Hospitalized After Stroke
-
Jamie MacDonald Returns with Joyful Redemption Anthem “Left It in the River”