Album Review: Planetshakers' #LetsGo

In the span of just less than two decades, Australia-based Planetshakers has literally shaken the planet with their music. Driven by the desire to empower generations to win generations, the very core of their ministry is to seek the presence of God, first and foremost. And as for their latest album, #LetsGo, they are making a response.

#LetsGo is the second album of the band for 2015 (it follows the successful Outback Worship Sessions which was released in May), and the 33rd in their growing discography.

I was present on the two-night concert of Planetshakers here in Manila last August, and within those nights, Planetshakers played two of the songs on this record. I can still recall Joth Hunt, their lead vocalist, saying Let’s Go is the response for what the “This Is Our Time” season has brought to Planetshakers and to the church as a whole. Indeed, #LetsGo should be the response of each Bible-believing, Christ-worshipping individual, for God has called us to be His hands and feet.

While the #LetsGo DVD has only eight videos on it plus a behind the scene footage, the CD is composed of 12 new songs, one new cover of an oldie (I Just Want You), an intro, and a prayer by Pastor Sam Evans, overall, 15 tracks. Like the other title cuts of Planetshakers’ past albums (This Is Our Time, Endless Praise, Nothing Is Impossible to name a few), #LetsGo has also gained prominence. Given the fact that they have played it in each city that they have visited early this year, I won’t be surprised if it might also reach the peak “Nothing Is Impossible” had reached. Its very youthful vibe is a charm. Plus, it is lyrically rich and powerful.

If there is one lesson that I’ve learned from Planetshakers through the years, that would be to be not reserved in worshipping Jesus—to be sold out and all out for Him. Truly, songs like “Nobody Like You,” “All About You,” and “New Era” reflect which. Each is an addition to their praise party song library; but if you prefer intimate worship songs rather than EDM infiltrated praise cuts, #LetsGo has also a plenty of it. “Home” is the first in line; its anthemic atmosphere compliments the message of the song which is obviously based on the parable of the prodigal son. While “Just One Touch” is musically intense, “Stepping In”, and “I Just Want You” are much simpler and gentle. My favorite track in the album is “Glorious Collision.” Sung by Natalie Ruiz, this poetic worship ballad brings out a lot of power and emotion. Its faith-stirring, heart-piercing, powerful message conveys how our God could turn our life around.

The thing that I love the most about this album is, it is so flavorful and diverse. “Born To Praise,” a Gospel-infused hip hop which I seldom hear from Planetshakers, is a good indicator that they are stretching out their tents. Though I think the first line of its verse is a little bit feminine (maybe written for their Women’s conference), the song as a whole is a celebration of the glorious destiny each one of us has in Christ; and all I can say is, I am looking forward to hearing some more of this genre on their future releases.

At the end of the day, Planetshakers’ #LetsGo did not disappoint. Though all of the songs are lyrically-brilliant, I hope they would dig down on this department just a little bit deeper. Instrumentally, each track is unique and stunning. Overall, this album is pretty incredible and seriously, really, absolutely, their best yet since This Is Our Time!

Rating: 5/5

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Album Review: Planetshakers' Outback Worship Sessions

Known worldwide for their high-sounding rock-electronic dance music, Planetshakers from Melbourne, Australia has recently released their newest praise and worship album called “Outback Worship Sessions.” Featuring some of their biggest hits re-crafted by Grammy award-winning producer Ed Cash, this new album presents a “very different” Planetshakers. Far from what we are used of them, this new studio album is a beautiful rest from blasting guitars and electronic-synths effects to the arms of a very organic and intimate acoustic worship.

For the record, this is not the first time Planetshakers have made an acoustic album. In 2008, they have released the outstanding 14-cut “Beautiful Saviour: Acoustic Series [Volume 1],” and because of which, I have an enough idea how will Planetshakers sound without the swirling synths and electronic effects. I must say that the simpler musicality and lesser backing are the elements that separate “Outback Worship Sessions” from their preceding albums. These things have given each of the songs an emphasis vocally.What I love most about this release, aside from its intimate worship setting, is the message that it conveys, which shifts from one song to another. Songs like “Like A Fire,” “Spirit of God,” and “Leave Me Astounded” are all prayerful songs that ask for God’s spirit to come, move and saturate. Notice that on the fourth cut, “My Soul Longs for Jesus,” the message shifts to hunger, thirst, and longing for Jesus, while the succeeding tracks show the aftermath of a Holy Spirit indwelling—a life of endless praise.

“My Soul Longs For Jesus,” a song written by Ed Cash, is my most favorite track in the album. Sung by Sam Evans, this song is more of a hymnal in structure. I just love how the song goes, its every aspect—theologically rich and musically simple yet spirit-moving. Another theologically deep, faith-stirring song is “Made For Worship.” A worship ballad highly infused with very enticing folksy music—also sung by Evans.

The new treatment of the band’s loudest hits is also a very notable thing—all are made even better. These tracks include “Endless Praise,” “This Is The Day” (now features a female vocal), and “This Is Our Time.” “Nothing Is Impossible” is also worth mentioning for its newly added verse, which goes this way: “Speak to every limitation, victory is my declaration. The same power that raised You from the grave, is in me, so I will give you praise!”

As usual on their every release, Planetshakers has again set the bar high. “Outback Worship Sessions” is a complete album—very raw and honest, faith-stirring, musically brilliant, theologically rich, and most of all, very congregational. These elements are hardly found complete on worship albums these days. I am so grateful to say that Planetshakers never fails to amaze me. They are literally breaking every limitation.I strongly recommend this worship album!

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Planetshakers To Release Outback Worship Sessions May 12th

Recording features top Planetshakers songs re-imagined by Grammy-winning Ed Cash, all geared for corporate worship

Christian Music News, New Christian Music News The worship team from Planetshakers Church, one of Australia's fastest growing churches in history, is set to release Outback Worship Sessions globally through Integrity Music May 12, 2015. What started as a project to re-craft Planetshakers' most-loved worship anthems into a form accessible to worship teams representing the wider church body has since grown into a studio recording that is, as Aristotle might say, "greater than the sum of its parts."

Known for its cutting-edge, joy-infused sound that is full of energy and that has sparked the young and young at heart around the globe to celebrate in worship, Planetshakers' recent recording, This Is Our Time, immediately soared to the top of the overall charts in several countries during its first week at retail. The project, like the Planetshakers ministry, has transcended cultures, languages and geographic boundaries.

"Outback Worship Sessions is about taking our message further, sharing with as many as possible and empowering generations to win generations," says Planetshakers worship pastor Bj Pridham. "I think as a church, we have organically reached a younger audience. We want to be intentional to reach not just one generation, but all generations."

For the new album, Planetshakers tapped into the expertise of Grammy Award-winning, four-time Gospel Music Association Dove Award-winning "Producer of the Year," Ed Cash. Taking Outback Worship Sessions under his wing, and with church worship teams in mind, Cash gave a new, intimate 'voice' to Planetshakers' best-loved anthems. He not only brought out the best in the Planetshakers team, but also produced three brand new songs on the 11-track album.

Co-writing and producing the worldwide church anthem "How Great is Our God" with Chris Tomlin, and recently writing songs featured on albums by Jeremy Camp, Kari Jobe, Crowder, Laura Story, Hillsong and many more, Cash penned "My Soul Longs For Jesus" featured on Outback Worship Sessions. He further co-wrote "Spirit Of God" and "Father" for the album with Pridham, who is one of several featured vocalists from Planetshakers' worship team on the album.

"The moment I began co-writing with Bj over Skype, I knew that Heaven was going to fall heavy on this project," says Cash. "It became increasingly clear that the Planetshakers family has habitually drawn near to God, and in His matchless covenant fashion, He has drawn near to them! I pray the presence of the Lord will bless you as richly as you listen as He did me while working on it."

In addition to the new recording, lead singers featured on Outback Worship Sessions will literally fly into the heart of Australia's Outback to record the brand new videos "Like A Fire," "My Soul Longs for Jesus," "Nothing Is Impossible" and possibly more songs from the new project.

"Set in a small church in the Outback of Australia, the videos will be recorded with a band playing in a very organic, natural setup," explains Planetshakers Lead Singer and Music Director Joth Hunt. "There will be no flashing lights or big production elements, but we will be utilizing aerial cinematography interspersed throughout the video capturing the spectacular surroundings of the Australian Outback."

Each of these videos will be offered free as a resource to worship leaders following the May 12 release of the album. Integrity Music will also offer a companion digital Outback Worship Sessions songbook free of charge through WeAreWorship.com.

The full Outback Worship Sessions track listing follows:

1.    Like A Fire
2.    Spirit Of God
3.    Leave Me Astounded
4.    My Soul Longs For Jesus
5.    Endless Praise
6.    Nothing Is Impossible
7.    Covered
8.    Father
9.    Made For Worship
10. This Is The Day
11. This Is Our Time

Having led over 200,000 people at a single event in Asia and sharing new music from This Is Our Time and other favorite Planetshakers worship anthems around the world, Planetshakers will hit Cape Town, Pretoria and Durban on a 10-day tour of South Africa beginning April 24. They will also be the featured worship leader June 28-29 during several events at CBA's International Christian Retail Show 2015 (ICRS) that will also feature Lee Greenwood, Josh McDowell, Steve Green (Hobby Lobby) and others. Planetshakers will further be featured during the National Worship Leader Conference June 23-25 and headlining along with Casting Crowns and Jesus Culture "Florida's biggest Christian music festival," Rock The Universe, Sept. 12.

Source: Integrity Music

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Album Review: Citipointe Live's Wildfire

Shinning from Brisbane, Australia, Citipointe Live is one of the most passionate worship teams that I know. This amazing group has been resourcing the church with anointed worship songs for years now. Their biggest hit “You Reign” written by their Worship Pastor Aaron Lucas is simply astounding, and its message is still ringing in my ears. Devoted, their 2008 release is one my all-time favourite albums in my collection, and this year they are offering us their latest live praise and worship album “Wildfire”.

Recorded live over several worship nights at Citipointe Church, this new album comprises 10 new songs; and unlike their previous albums which are CD+DVD releases, “Wilfire” only comes on CD.

What I love most about Citipointe Live is their blazing passion for Jesus and people; and this passion to make the gospel of Jesus known to all is extremely manifested on their preceding albums. More than ever, this thing is wonderfully woven to Wildfire.

Musically speaking, Wilfire offers a high variety of musicianship. The melodies and beat are so catchy. On Top Of The World, the opening song, sets the mood of the album on high. It literally brings you on the top of the world as Joel Ramsey sings. Its high energy will surely motivate you to sing and dance for Jesus. Other energetic songs are Wildfire, and Unstoppable. On the other side, Wilfire also offers atmospheric worship moments. Some of the songs that you shouldn’t miss are My Soul Yearns, Greater Is, If Not For Love, and Living Water. Chardon Lewis’ If Not For Love is my favourite cut off the album. Its powerful message is simply moving. Truthfully speaking, Lewis’ song is what I anticipate most on Citipointe Live’s album annually. His voice and different way of worship leading gives life to any song that he sings. Becky Lucas’ Living Water is my favorite in terms of musicality. I adore her fervent voice which is so unique.

Lyrically, Wilfire is rich. After listening to all its songs, I must say that God’s love, power, and finished work on the cross are Wilfire’s central theme. I commend Beau Lamshed for writing the anthemic and in-depth song, Lion. The rest of the album is brilliant and powerful. In sum, the worship on Wildfire is authentic, and contagious. Every track on this album is congregational, and it captures the heart of the people—and that is to sing of God’s great love.

I give thanks to the creative team of Citipointe Church. Without them, the unseen people, there will be no beautiful albums like Wildfire.

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Album Review: Endless Praise by Planetshakers

I have had a privilege to write a review about Planetshakers’ recently released album, Endless Praise. Recorded LIVE at one of their conference nights, this new album comprises 14 tracks. Explosive, anthemic, and energetic are some of the words that describe it.

The album opens with the title track ‘Endless Praise’ which will excite any listener. The high volume of energy, guitars blasting out and sound effects are so much present. Over the years, this has become the ‘signature’ of Planetshakers in their albums. But wait, there’s more! You’ll find and hear more “praise party songs” all-throughout the album, including: Turn It Up, Dance, Praise You Lord, Oh Your Love, and We Are Free.

The second track ‘Turn It Up’ starts with synths and is somehow parallel to ‘This Is the Day’ also by Planetshakers. The tune and familiar dance beat will get you dancing onto the next track ‘Dance.’ This one is so explosive, and full of electronic effects. The entirety of the song is simply epic.

The next track ‘No Other Name’ is the first worship song in the album, and one of my favourites. Its melody and lyrical content will touch the heart of the worshipper. It’s like the modern remake of an old song. The whole six minutes of the song is spirit-moving; truly there’s no other name like JESUS. ‘Made for Worship’ is another gorgeous and touching worship song. There’s nothing more beautiful than hearing the people of God singing out loud, and giving all to Him. The track ‘Kiss Towards’ is so ethereal. In the silence of the crowd you could hear their heart worshipping. I could feel the intensity inside Natalie Ruiz, as her spirit sings in the overflow of the previous track.

Led by Joth Hunt, the next song ‘Unto God’ explodes with intensity as the song grows. The intimate worship moments with this song will bring you to your knees, as you sing “Holy is the Lord… Holy is the Lord.” The praise party is back with the synth-filled ‘Praise You Lord.’ I love the pre-chorus: “We are redeemed, set free, forgiven…” which prepares you for the singing of the joyful chorus. The bridge is a bold declaration of John 8:36—whom the Son sets free is free indeed. Another praise party song ‘Oh Your Love’ opens with heavy synths, bass and electronic mix effects. The whole song is a huge blast.

The victory and finished work of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was declared in ‘Our God Reigns.’ This one is timely and ideal song for Easter. ‘Set Me Ablaze’ is a prayer put to song. A prayer asking for more of Jesus, more of His spirit, presence and power.Sam’s voice is fervent, and the crowd immediately grabs hold of the anthemic chorus, creating such a forceful and powerful moment. ‘Abide in me’ is also a prayer for more of God.

Last in the list of praise party songs is ‘We Are Free,’ which is laced with people’s shouting. The entirety of the track is well crafted which makes it my favourite track in the album. It’s easy to be learned, especially the bridge: “We are free, we are free and we have the Victory!” The studio recorded song ‘Leave Me Astounded’ ends the album. As it grows so does the intensity. The collection of voices brings power out of the song. What an awesome song to end the album.

I commend Planetshakers for another fantastic album. So far, this is one of the best albums in my collection. Their creativity, passion and dedication are manifested in this project. Two thumbs up!

Let endless praise resound in all the land, to the glory of Him who seats on the throne—Jesus Christ.

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