Having recently been named Billboard Magazine's Top Christian Artist of the Year, Hillsong UNITED has just released their highly anticipated new album, Empires. "Empires is the story of two worlds," band leader Joel Houston explains. "Our prayer and desire has been to simply create the most honest project we could. Songs that seek to listen first, and then with God’s breath speak the good news reality of Jesus and His grace into the dichotomy, tension and hopeful-collision of this broken and fragile world we see here and now, and the unshakeable and mysterious reality of the Kingdom we can’t see, but no-less know is here - and NOW. "
In the past 2 years, the band's influence has grown exponentially worldwide and they have received such honors as taking home 5 GMA Dove Awards in 2014, seeing their worship anthem,"Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)," become an RIAA Platinum certified single, and becoming the subject of a documentary that is set to debut in theatres in September of this year.
UNITED's latest studio album is filled with songs that are firmly based in scripture and are musically progressive. Their first single, "Touch The Sky" is currently the top Christian single on iTunes and is already a favorite being led in worship in churches all over. The other two songs they pre-released, "Prince of Peace" and "Heart Like Heaven" are also both strong, musically diverse anthems that point worshipers to the Savior.
One of the new tracks on the album, "Street Called Mercy," acknowledges the way Jesus found us and how through His grace, displayed through His sacrifice on the cross, He welcomed us home. The harmonies are rich, often intersecting, and the atmosphere laid down by the synths gives the song a certain intimacy, coupling with the lyrics to create a beautiful declaration of worship. "Even When It Hurts (Praise Song)" speaks of relying on Jesus when we're really struggling and praising Him in the midst of these times, "Even when my strength is lost I'll praise You. Even when I have no song I'll praise You. Even when it's hard to find the words, louder then I'll sing Your praise. I will only sing Your praise." "Rule" rejoices in Jesus's victory over sin and death and exalts him over everything. It's driving and congregational, boldly proclaiming, "Be the crown in the light and sound. Be the fire burning inside out. Be the love casting out of fear. Let Your name move the atmosphere." With UNITED's unique sound and the strength of their message, the songs from Empires are certain to bring a new dynamic to worship services.
Empires is now available worldwide so head over to iTunes to pick up your copy today!
Empires - Hillsong UNITED
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