 Hillsong London
Shout God's Fame (Hillsong/Integrity)
Released June 2004
reviewed by Andree Farias
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Sounds like … the energy of a United worship service, the grand proportions of a contemporary Hillsong gathering, plus a bit of the grit from a Vineyard UK album
At a glance … the inaugural entry from Hillsong London proves that Darlene Zschech need not be present in order to keep the legacy of the famed worship series intact
It was a matter of time before the gospel of Hillsong to spread to other parts of the globe. The megachurch now boasts a subsidiary in London, and if the 2,000+ membership is any indication, new congregations will soon pop up elsewhere. But Hillsong is mostly recognized for its strong contemporary worship, and Shout God's Fame shows that Hillsong still delivers—no matter where they choose to plant a new church.
Judging from praise romps "Shout Your Fame" and "My God"—two joyous winners with terrific choruses—the energy level at this live recording is more akin to a United (Hillsong's youth band) worship service than the glossier adult Hillsong outings. Save for a campy number or two (the simplistic "Gonna Be Alright" falls flat in its attempt at fun), the selections, both original and non, strike a good balance between intimate and congregational. There's even a measure of grit and alternative elements to the instrumentation, with some songs dabbling into world influences (the danceable "I Will Go") and even new wave a la Duran Duran (the intro to "King of Majesty").
The London crew does a fine job with its anthems ("You're Here With Me," "Centre of My Life"), which are largely guitar-driven without sacrificing melody or the sweeping, corporate feel for which Hillsong is known. Even their cover of Delirious' "History Maker" sounds current and fresh, if not less lethargic than countless other versions before it.
It's a promising entry from the largely developed U.K. worship movement, without sounding like a Soul Survivor spawn. Darlene Zschech has taught them well.
Hillsong London
Shout God's Fame (Hillsong/Integrity)
Released June 2004
reviewed by Andree Farias
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