It’s no doubt that Hillsong is one of the go-to worship teams for new music but this new album is something special. From a guy who has been on the hillsong bandwagon for years, I can happily recommend their 2013 release “Glorious Ruins” as one of their best. I’m going to break down the songs from the perspective of a worship leader but it’s safe to say that the entirety of the album will find a place in churches around the world. Here are the songs (Deluxe Version):
Always Will
There’s a short intro track on the deluxe album that introduces the motif of the chant that will be sung out later in the song. The chant is really catchy and, if you’re church is in to singing “whoa’s” you’re going to have a hit on your hands. I would recommend you pick up the backing tracks over at multitracks.com if you’re going to do this one. There are a lot of synth things going on and the track will really fill in the track. The chorus is a really great declaration about the love of God with a strong hook that is easy to sing. I like this song so much that we’ll be doing it in service next week!
You Never Fail
You Never Fail is lead by Joel Houston and the lyrics speak to salvation. The prechorus encourages everyone to “call upon the name Jesus Christ the only name that saves.” Really simple lyrics but what a tremendous opportunity to work solid Biblical truth in to your worship set.
Christ is Enough
Following the declaration of “You Never Fail,” Christ is Enough has a powerful chorus that proclaims “Christ is enough for me, everything I need is in You.” We’re going to do this song soon as the lyric is something that our church needs. It doesn’t matter what storm we are facing, Christ is more than we ever need.
Where the Spirit of the Lord is
Up to this point, the album hasn’t really dealt with the Holy Spirit. Where the Spirit of the Lord is takes the greatness of God’s love and the sufficiency of Christ and makes it personal. The chorus is essentially singing 2 Corinthians 3:17 which says “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” We have a very real and present help in the Holy Spirit. He’s in everyone who believes! The bridge is a communal chant to welcome the moving of the Spirit in a service and really catchy.
Glorious Ruins
The title track of the album is lyrically beautiful. The chorus sings: “Let the ruins comes to life in the beauty of Your name. Rising up from the ashes God forever you reign. My soul will find refuge in the shadow of Your wings. I will love you forever and forever I’ll sing.” This song has power to minister to people dealing with brokenness. I tear up every time I sing through the chorus and can’t wait to see how this song will bless our church.
Closer
Hillsong has a great way of crafting their albums in a way that takes you through peaks and valleys. Moving from the weight of “Glorious Ruins,” “Closer” is a simple proclamation of drawing closer to God. The closer we get to God, the closer we want to get.
God Who Saves
God Who Saves starts off with a cool mix of strings and synthesis and adds a catchy piano riff. The song is upbeat and declares the life of Christ and the salvation He offers all who would come regardless of what they’ve done.
To Be Like You
This song stands on it’s own stylistically as Matt Crocker starts off with a really intimate melody that moves with finger picking thirds on the acoustic guitar. The addition of piano and strings really make this song powerful and the chorus boldly professes John 3:30: “All I want, all I need, more of You, less of me.” It’s not about us, it’s about becoming like Christ.
Man of Sorrows
Released for Easter in 2013, “Man of Sorrows” has already become an anthem in many churches around the world. If you need a song that talks through the passion of Christ, this is it. I was glad to hear a song bring back the concept of the “rugged cross,” really cool imagery. The bridge declares our debt paid and the freedom we now have in Christ. So many people come in to our services carrying a yoke of slavery, they need to hear the truth of Jesus’s freedom.
We Glorify Your Name
The chorus of this song simply sings “We glorify Your name.” I hear this as a anthem before a service is dismissed as we’re sent to proclaim the Lord’s name throughout the world.
You Crown the Year (Psalm 65:11)
The verses for this song feel very much like a hymn, I’d suggest doing this song if your service is a blended style. The lyrics are deep and I think it can appeal to all generations. The bridge really picks up the energy!
Anchor
The bridge for “Anchor” is a standout for the album. Hillsong does a great job giving us lyrics and melodies that will last for years. The bridge declares: “Your name is higher, Your name is great, all my hope is in You. Your word unfailing, Your promise unshaken, all my hope is in You.”
Lift You Higher
This track comes with the deluxe edition of the album and is almost entirely synth. It’s definitely catchy but I wouldn’t recommend attempting this unless you get a hold of the backing track which, as of the writing of this review, wasn’t available.
Only You
This closing track of the album sings with a different cadence than the rest of the album and most worship music. It’s still quite singable, I highly recommend this one if you’re looking to add something that is different and yet still accessible to your service.
If you haven’t grabbed the album yet, please do so. I know it will be a blessing to you personally and to the corporate times of worship in your church.
I would also love it if you would take a moment to spread the word or possibly support our latest campaign to send a quality guitar and training to a worship ministry in Cambodia. Check it out here.
Campaign Update // Kenya // Thank You From Africa
Great written article. Love listening to this album on repeat.