Album Review: Hillsong Young and Free's This Is Living EP

Acclaimed for their ‘very different’ and energetic style in worship, Australia’s Hillsong Young and Free exist to win and lead the younger generation for Jesus with their electronic dance music (EDM). Led by Laura Toggs, daughter of Hillsong’s Senior Pastor, Hillsong Young and Free appeared in the scene in 2013 with their “We Are Young And Free” album—a record that saw two no.1 Christian Hits “Alive” and “Wake”. The album debuted at No.1 on the Billboard Christian chart as well as on the Praise and Worship chart. Far from Hillsong Worship and Hillsong United’s anthemic, pop-rock sound; Young and Free’s music is more on synths, electronic effects and swirling beats, which are attractive to the young folks.

Early this year, Hillsong Young and Free kicked off with a new EP “This Is Living”, featuring five tracks—three new (“This Is Living”, “Energy” and “Pursue”), one acoustic version, and a re-release from their debut record.

The title cut “This Is Living” is a collaboration with Christian hip hop artist Lecrae. Infused with energy and electronic dance vibe, this catchy track is pretty interesting and something that’s not heard much of in Christian music scene. The bouncy dance beats and swirling synths make the song alive.

Sung by Melody Wagner, “Energy”, the second track, is one built on massive electronic-synth foundation. Its title speaks for itself. It is the EP’s ultimate dance song, while “Pursue” is worship in dynamic instrumentation. Unlike the aforementioned cuts, this one is less in synths—just fair enough to make the song alive.

Making the electronic vibes completely absent, the acoustic version of “This Is Living” is a very good rest from the ear-tickling EDM. The melodious piano line is a cushion that stretches through the album conclusion, which is the reprise of “Sinking Deep” from their debut album.

Overall, “This Is Living” EP is a very delicious foretaste to Hillsong Young and Free’s upcoming releases; and I know greater things lie ahead for this group as they make the praise of God glorious for all ages.

Rating: 4.9/5

Disclosure: A review copy of This Is Living was provided for review by House of Praise, from whom you may purchase the album.

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Hillsong Young and Free Set To Release EP "This Is Living" January 13 #News

NEWS SOURCE: Merge PR

January 7, 2015

NASHVILLE, TENN. - January 07, 2015 - Bringing the sound of Hillsong Church's Youth Ministry, Young & Free is kicking off 2015 with the release of their new EP This Is Living. Releasing January 13, the EP features five tracks, including three new songs, and is full of the energy that is becoming synonymous with Young & Free worship.

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Hillsong's Young & Free Debuts at No.1!

NEWS SOURCE: Merge PR
October 10, 2013

NASHVILLE, TENN. -October 10, 2013 -Hillsong's Young & Free has launched their first album, "We Are Young & Free," and has debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian albums chart as well as on the Praise and Worship albums chart. In addition it debuted at No. 22 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and No. 6 on the Overall Digital Albums chart.

Last weekend in New York City to a sold-out crowd at the famed Radio City Music Hall, Young & Free unveiled new music, plus a performance of their single "Alive," which was one of the musical highlights of Hillsong's first ever U.S. conference. The band continues a run of dates in November opening for worship trailblazers Hillsong UNITED in the U.S.

Given that it's rare for Hillsong to unleash a brand new music team, the launch of Young and Free has predictably captured the excitement of Christians across the globe. Yet while music writers have positively reviewed the new pop sound and the album tops charts around the world, those behind Young and Free are focused on bigger - and deeper - issues. They want to change the world!

Laura Toggs, Hillsong's youth pastor and the driving force behind the new youth-focused team, says "Young & Free exists to give voice to this generation and to give our youth an identity. God is calling a generation who will rise up, and who will know deep and unending joy in Jesus Christ." Fans can watch "Our Story," a mini-doc atwww.hillsongyoungandfree.com that highlights the early stages of the band as they crafted the songs and heart of Young & Free. Also available at http://hillsongcollected.com/leadership/yf-day-1 the band is posting daily devotionals based on all the songs from "We Are Young & Free."

Hillsong senior pastor Brian Houston said the launch of Young and Free was intentional. He explained that while the new team was "created for teenagers, the whole church comes alive" to the music. "I feel very strongly that we are called to release generations, to be more loyal to the future than we are to the past," he said.

Worship Leader Magazine stated: "This stellar collection of songs from Hillsong are exciting and uplifting modern pop tunes with smooth, clear vocals, aimed at today's teenagers and the music styles they love." While Hallels gave a glowing review saying, "The music is glorious with an unprocessed sound that galvanizes you, whatever your age, towards the Throne." Louder Than Music concluded, "Hillsong Young & Free is a brilliant, fresh addition to the Hillsong family. It's like the younger brother, who dresses a bit more cool, likes to play loud music, and has too much energy."

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About YOUNG & FREE:
Young & Free is the sound of Hillsong Youth. They are a youth ministry by name, but by identity they are individuals who have found hope, salvation, joy, forgiveness and a future in Jesus Christ. Their songs are the overflow of their hearts and a reflection of life in Jesus.

About Hillsong Church:
In August 1983, Brian and Bobbie Houston founded the Hills Christian Life Centre in the Hills District of Sydney, Australia. It has grown from a congregation of 45 to what is said to be the largest local church in Australian history. It has now expanded to be a global church with local expressions in significant cities; with churches in Australia, London, New York, Paris, Cape Town, Stockholm, Germany, Kiev, Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Each week, tens of thousands of people across the globe call Hillsong Church 'home' and the reach, impact and influence of this local congregation is seen across many nations.

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