Glorious Ruins – Review

Life Supernatural Review of Hillsong Live album Glorious Ruins

The latest release from Hillsong Live, Glorious Ruins, is definitely worth checking out. It is not Cornerstone, which was a truly fresh offering from the Australia-based worship team, very reminiscent of their “old-time” recordings, with each song being very intentional about keeping Christ front and center.

And yet, what I do appreciate about this particular album is the handful of unique, borderline-prophetic songs that actually arm worshippers to release the Word of the Lord through song. Three standout tracks that fit this description are “Glorious Ruins,” “Where the Spirit of the Lord Is,” and “You Crown the Year.”

Admittedly, I am biased to the Darlene Zschech era of Hillsong albums (she is not present on this recording, either vocally or through any of her songs). For this reason, I would highly recommend Zschech’s latest recording, Revealing Jesus. This is not dismissing the unique work that the Holy Spirit is doing through the emerging generation of songwriters and worship leaders at Hillsong Church, Sydney. What is ever-refreshing about listening to and watching Zschech is witnessing one who is first, hungry and passionate for God’s Presence, and then – a far second – a worship leader.

Back to Ruins. I think what makes the album a bit of a jumble is the inclusion of the beginning and middle “praise” tracks—the fast-paced, clappy songs that tend to come standard with any live praise and worship project. I will say this, though. If you are looking for lyrically solid up-tempo songs of praise for your church, small group, or worship experience, I recommend revisiting some of Hillsong’s older recordings. No doubt, Hillsong Music undeniably defined the “praise” genre through songs such as “My Redeemer Lives,” “Everyday,” “Shout of the King,” “Salvation is Here,” “The First and the Last,” and even more recently, “Endless Light” and “Children of the Light.”

Other solid worship tracks include: The majestic Calvary-focused “Man of Sorrows” (co-written by Brooke Fraser of Hosanna and None But Jesus) and the riveting anthem “You Never Fail” declaring the faithfulness and stronghold breaking power of Jesus (Joel Houston).

A solid offering from Hillsong Live – all around. Worth purchasing just for the mentioned tracks!

What about you?

Did you enjoy this album? What’s your favorite Hillsong Album and why? Let me know in the comments below.

 

Larry Sparks About Larry Sparks

Larry Sparks is host of Life Supernatural, a weekly radio program that features bestselling authors, emerging filmmakers, and key ministry leaders. In addition to serving as the Director of Curriculum Resources for Destiny Image Publishers, Larry is president and founder of Equip Culture Ministries—an organization that equips believers with tools and resources to experience a life of sustained victory through the supernatural power of God. He lives in Florida with his wife and daughter. You can visit his website at www.lawrencesparks.com and follow him on Facebook Larry Sparks or on Twitter @LawrenceVSparks.