This isn’t your mom’s worship music. But I bet she’d like it!
We Are Young & Free is the debut album of the next big thing out of Hillsong Australia. The new band, called Young & Free, recorded this album live in April 2013. Just a few short months later, when it was released, it took the worship industry by storm with it’s electro-pop worship songs.
Songs typically featured on ‘secular’ radio have an electronic beat or a synth line that is meant to get the listener dancing. This album does the same while honoring God with it’s lyrics. I love that Young & Free redeems this kind of music using it to glorify the Lord. These are beats you want your kids singing long after the song ends.
The album opener, Brighter, sings
“Let the music play. Hear us praise Your name. See the darkness fade. Dance the night away. We have found our place in the Saviour's grace. Dance the night away. Your light is taking over me!”
The two singles, Wake and Alive are joyful and upbeat, with catchy hooks and melodies that are singable and memorable. They declare truth through lyrics like, “You will never fade away. Your love is here to stay,” and “I was lost with a broken heart. You picked me up, now I'm set apart. From the ash I am born again, forever safe in the Saviour's hands.”
The album progresses through more upbeat songs like Lifeline, but also features reflective and meditative songs that are essentially prayers. “I want to be close to You,” the lead singer prays in Close. “I'm gonna sing until my voice won't let me. As thunders roar I'll shout Your praise” in End of Days, and “Jesus Christ, You are my one desire. Lord hear my only cry, to know You all my life” in the album closer, Sinking Deep.
Overall, this album is geared towards a younger generation, but can be enjoyed by kids and their parents’ alike. Don’t be surprised if you hear these songs on Sunday morning, as they are certainly rousing and worshipful. This music is perfect for demonstrating to children, or even new believers, that worship music doesn’t have to be boring. If we serve the most creative God, who gives us joy and abounds in love, why can’t our songs of praise be a reflection of that?
Well done, Young & Free. I can’t wait to see how this band continues to make music that honors the Lord in fresh, new, and free ways!
Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. - Psalm 96:1
A native of New Jersey, Denise Trio is a full-time worship leader, mentor, designer, and blogger based out of Fort Lauderdale, FL. She wants to use her voice to inspire others to seek healing and pursue restoration of broken relationships. Follow on her blog Blond Moment of the Day or on Twitter.
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