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27th July 2009 by Nathaniel Brown

Across the Earth: Tear Down the Walls is the latest live worship album from Hillsong United.

It seems like there's been a lot going on with the United guys over the last few years, particularly with the I Heart Revolution, but there hasn't been a lot coming out so its great to hear another full length album of new songs. Yep, this stuff is the goods; it's packed with a whole lot of punchy rock hooks and intense moments of vulnerable worship. The album focuses on our responsibility to ‘tear down the walls' that separate humanity from God, calling the church to true worship: to unite in our love for God and our love for people. It's this cry for true worship that should drive our desire to serve wholeheartedly in our communities. United are providing the soundtrack for a generation of young people changing the world, and I reckon it's a good one.

Musically this album doesn't venture too far from United's distinct style but there is enough variety here to distinguish it from previous albums and standout tracks for me are Freedom is Here, King of All Days, and Arms Open Wide. Brooke Ligertwood (nee Fraser) brings a fresh sound with her two contributions to the set list, with particular mention to the soft track Soon that hits a sweet spot amidst some pretty intense tracks.

It's pretty difficult to underestimate the influence that Hillsong United have, both in the church and the wider community, particularly seeing that the album debuted at #4 on the iTunes Top Albums Chart. Interestingly, if you pick up the album at a shop (instead of iTunes etc) you might be mistaken for thinking you're missing the CD jacket but that's just how it comes. Maybe it's about saving the environment, or maybe they're just too cool for that old school stuff...

The United sound does not appeal to every market; some find it monotonous, others find their songs too difficult to follow, however I don't think we're going to find a style we can all agree on until we all rock it up in heaven. Many of these tracks would be difficult to use in your church services simply because of their musical/lyrical complexity, but if you're after songs for youth, songs to use in personal devotions, songs to learn on guitar, or songs to drive home to, then this album is definitely worth getting a hold of.

• Music - True United style, but may be too complicated for some churches
• Words - Honest, challenging and memorable
• God Content - Really calls the church (and us) towards true worship

Nate Brown

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1. 

   Dan Walters

   July 28, 2009 at 5:46pm

   Sweet review - though for people who actually wanted to know about the whole 'no booklet/no big album cover' - have a read of http://hillsongunited.com/2009/05/art-visual-semantics
   
   Joel Houston goes through the reasons for the specific album covers, which includes the latest one - Its actually really cool... they all have reasons behind them!
   
   Dan

   Reply
2. 

   Naomi Em

   August 01, 2009 at 6:22pm

   This is an incredible album! Absolutely love it. Really empowering.

   Reply