I am a huge fan of the Hillsong ministry. They have made an immeasurable impact on local churches around the world in the past couple decades. In 2013 they introduced their new youth movement Young & Free, and brought fresh biblical lyrics and a modern electronic sound to worship. “This is living” is the follow up EP to their 2013 debut. Whatever your opinion is on Hillsong and the music they’ve produced, this album is relevant musically and proclaims the Name of Jesus.
This is living (feat. Lecrae)– Overall this is a very well produced song with fresh synth leads, high energy and a catchy rap in the bridge. Assuming most churches like ours won’t be able to pull off the rap part, I recommend going to a short instrumental into the pre-chorus in place of the rap. Regardless, this is a song of celebration and praise to open any worship set with or without the rap part, especially for a youth service! What student at church doesn’t like Lecrae?!
Anyway, the lyrics to this song resonated with me right off the bat. Like with any good worship song, the lyrics and arrangement take you on a journey from start to finish. The realization and reality of our purpose for living to the effects of living in Christ and celebration that simply “this is living now!” This is a very simple song yet so profound. I can’t wait to jump around and belt this out with my church! My favorite line is, “there’s nothing like living with You, this life You created I choose!” I will say though I was a bit disappointed with the drum samples…I expected them to be as thick and punchy as their debut single “Alive.”
Energy – At first listen it caught me off guard with the 80’s disco vibe, but the groove grew on me! Again, here is another great message set in a fun energetic tune that can get anybody moving and singing. The melody and lyrics are fresh and the overall production is well done, but following after songs from their debut like “back to life” and “brighter” this song falls short. Still, this could be used in a worship set if you have a strong female lead and place it well within the flow of songs.
Pursue – The new vocalist and the totally different vibe of the song quickly drew me in. I love the feel and it’s refreshing to hear a different female lead. The dub-step breakdown isn’t a same-old dub-step breakdown, its surprisingly interesting. This is no doubt a powerful song with a great message and fresh surrender theme lyrically, but overall I don’t feel this would go over well in a corporate worship set, generally. The dead space and long build might get awkward depending on the delivery and corporately I feel the average congregation might have a hard time following along.
This is Living (Acoustic) – I’m not a huge fan of acoustic versions but this one really impressed me. They completely changed the feel of the song, changed the key and changed the lead vocal. The vocal parts in the chorus about made me fall over in my chair! The male part is such a creative harmony. This version could be in any acoustic worship set for sure. The vocal parts will take some time to get right, but all you need is an acoustic and keyboard behind you and you’re set.
Sinking Deep – I’m glad they added this last track. This is a very well done studio version and great way to end track list. It is pretty much a shortened version of the final track on “we are young and free”. Love the journey this song takes you on. Go check out the original!
All of these songs are doable! Decide which one(s) might be good for your church and put the work and money into the backing tracks. It will be worth it I promise! Check out multitracks.com to get you started.
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