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
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