Worship Musician September 2018 | Page 125

HILLSONG YOUNG & FREE III southern, edgy tone but his vocals are delivered While the first three songs, "Let Go," "Every with a bit softer sensibility while stylistically, Little Thing," and "Just Jesus," start things off the arrangements are mostly centered around with the fervor and raucous joy-filled worship southern rock and Gospel with a bit of a HYF is known for, it's not until track four, "First modern pop flair. Love," that we see the album start to show some diversity and spiritual maturity. In this "I Belong To Jesus" is a declarative and vertical gorgeous prayer the worship leader cries out to anthem of praise that reminds us that our God asking Him to keep us close as we grow identity is found in Jesus. Musically this track older when the world tries pulls us away from features a southern vibe with banjos and our faith. violins that work well. The pop-infused title track features Farren's inspiring vocals as he "Heart of God" utilizes portions of the old hymn examines the heart that God has for His people 1. as he fights for us in every situation. 2. Every Little Thing Previously released on co-writer, Corey Voss' album earlier this year, "Praise the King" is a glorious song of resurrection victory even though the arrangement here is not as moving Let Go "I Surrender All" to great effect, as they praise God for His heart of kindness and mercy that 3. Just Jesus leads to repentance. 4. First Love 5. Heart of God In "Jesus Loves Me," the innocence of child-like 6. Selah I 7. faith comes to the forefront on this modernized Jesus Loves Me take of the beloved children's song. 8. Selah II as Voss' and "Prisoners" is a well-thought out 9. Days Gone By southern ditty complete with a Gospel choir, 10. How Deep Is the Love III is a great combination of the fun, joyful honkey-tonk piano and slide guitar about the 11. Push/Pull and unique musical style that HYF has been freedom and healing that only Jesus can bring. The most thought-provoking song on this release is the stripped down, "Where Is God?". Here Farren gets raw and real as he asks the question, "Where is God in the terror and suffering? Where is God when sorrows get the best of us"? The answer is delivered with heartfelt sincerity as Farren declares that whenever love is poured out in any situation, there is God. Michael Farren is a great song writer and these are great songs written with intentionality from the heart of a man who truly loves people and loves God. Most of these songs are congregationally ready and are theologically sound. It's just too bad we had to wait so long 12. Love Won't Let Me Down 13. More of You known for while simultaneously showing that their writing is maturing as their faith grows. 14. Hindsight Personally, I think these songs would be difficult 15. P E A C E 16. Selah III (Fruits of The Spirit) 17. Highs & Lows to emulate instrumentally, but most are easy to sing and will appeal to a younger audience. Since 2013,  Hillsong Young & Free  has firmly established themselves as a go-to band for millennial worshippers with past hits like "Alive," "Wake," "Sinking Deep," "Real Love," and "This Is Living,". Their EDM inspired dance-like worship has been a near perfect blend of hot mainstream styles and Christ centered lyrics. Young & Free returns here with their third full- length album, aptly titled III which is a huge album with a whopping seventeen tracks written and arranged for the young worshipper. Gerod Bass Worship leader in Tacoma, WA. Mentor with Worship Catalyst. Singer, songwriter, guitarist with a passion for impacting lives for the sake of the Gospel. oslc.com for Michael to bless us with a solo project. Well done. September 2018 WorshipMusician.com 125