Customer Reviews

Aftermath

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

AFTERMATH is the highly anticipated, 11th full-length album and second-ever studio recording from Hillsong UNITED that released Feb. 15, 2011. Inspired by the `aftermath' paradox of the Cross, AFTERMATH is also the first new album from Hillsong UNITED in over two years. The band members took the time to challenge themselves musically and lyrically. Hillsong UNITED offers a creative collection of new songs that celebrates the One who saves, redeems and is the true representation of Hope in a world where hopelessness abounds. Known for such worldwide worship anthems as "The Stand," "From the Inside Out," "Hosanna" and "Lead Me To The Cross," I eagerly await each new Hillsong UNITED release. The last UNITED studio recording was All Of The Above in 2005.

AFTERMATH opens with a new song written and sung by Joel Houston called "Take Heart." It is an epic opening track, over 7 minutes long, and it sets the tone nicely for the new album. It's very contemplative and reflective, similar to "A Beautiful Exchange." Joel's songs have always moved me and he sings with an emotional intensity. "Go" is next and will certainly be the concert anthem from this album in the style of "Take It All" and "One Way." The song includes the classic Coldplay-type guitar riffs that I eagerly anticipate with each new album and picks up the Brit-Rock torch from recently retired Delirious?. Interestingly, the opening set of songs are the most Brit-Rock sounding on the album, as the last several songs transition over to a more electronic rock style, similar to Keane and Phil Wickham. I've been singing "The Stand", "From The Inside Out", "Mighty To Save", "Soon" and many other Hillsong classics at my church for many years and I expect there will be several more worship classics from this album. One of the standout songs to me is the next song "Like An Avalanche." The female vocals are beautiful and although Brooke (Fraser) Ligertwood is not part of this album, the song engages me similar to "Lead Me To The Cross."

"Rhythms Of Grace" is a cool song and like most Hillsong UNITED songs, it has a great melody and great congregational chorus: "There is None beside You God, there is None beside You God, I live my life to shine Your light, There is None beside You God." Title track "Aftermath" is another ballad and really anchors down the theme of this album with the worshipful lyrics: "In a moment of glorious surrender. You were broken for all the world to see. Lifted out of the ashes. I am found in the aftermath." The album changes musical styles with an instrumental interlude "B.E." which flows into a synth-rock song called "Bones," which has another stellar female vocal and I'd love to sing this song with fellow believers. For sure, this will be one of the most popular songs from the new album and musically reminds me of The Killers, one of my favorite bands. "Nova" really grabs me with the upbeat musical style and I having seen this amazing band live in concert, I expect this to be another great song to hear performed live.

"Light Will Shine" is synth-rock at its best, and really displays the musical talent of this band. The song sounds like many mainstream alternative rock hits I've enjoyed over the years with an unashamed Gospel message. First single "Search My Heart" also has a pulsing electronic beat and I find myself singing the great chorus all the time: "So with all my heart and all my soul. With all I am. Lord I will follow You. You took the cross. You took my shame. Restored my life. Now I live to worship You." "Awakening" is my favorite new worship anthem of the past year, which I hope will soon be a song I'll be singing with fellow believers. "Awakening" has a great worshipful chorus which ends with "Let Your will be done in me," which is the cry of my heart as well. The song also appeared on the last Passion album and most recently Chris Tomlin's studio album, co-written with Reuben Morgan.

CLOSING THOUGHTS
I'm impressed by the consistent quality and fresh worshipful songs that come from Hillsong United. AFTERMATH is no exception. For me, the standout songs are "Go," "Like An Avalanche," "Bones," "Nova," "Search My Heart" and "Awakening." AFTERMATH is a must-have for your praise and worship collection.

while i appreciate the in depth reviews shown here, I like the whole thing. At the very least they are doing something a bit different and unexpected in having all 'quiet' songs rather than loud.

in a nutshell if you dont like the slower rhythm songs, dont buy it but i see it as a must-have if, like me, you are a Hillsong fan.

I was surprised to read so many 5 star reviews for this album. At one point I began questioning if we'd even listened to the same songs! I've listened to Aftermath since its release day, but have found it very average (hence the 3 stars). Certainly Hillsong United are talented artists and this album represents something special to them, but as a listener, there weren't any tracks that grabbed me. Typically, after the first listen of an album there are one or two songs that stuck out in my mind and I try to scroll back and review them. I didn't have that experience at all with this album. Perhaps after a few more listens it will catch my heart, but I currently find this album inaccessible and the lyrics a little recycled.

My recommendation is to definitely listen to the samples before purchasing this album.

------UPDATE------
I have listened to this album more and actually enjoy it considerably more. I don't know if I like it enough to warrant an additional star, but definitely a half star. I still stand by the don't-just-blindly-buy-this album mantra and still believe folks should check out the samples first.

This album is totally amazing with some 80's touches here and there. I highly recommend the CD and hope that you purchase one too. I give this Hillsong United new CD 100 "Nova" stars. My favorite songs are "Rhythms of grace" and "Bones." Happy listening and best blessings to all.

(UPDATE: I just want to make clear that I DO believe Hillsong is being lead by the Spirit, and that they are making a positive impact around the world with their music through Christ. My critique is on their music, not their heart. I must say though that the songs are growing on me. But my argument still remains. Especially the lyrics part.)

Uninteresting. Every United album sounds the same, just with 'newer' songs. Putting electronic synths in the song does not mean they are revolutionizing their music.

As time goes on, bands need to evolve and develop. United has been at a standstill for years. Honestly the album art is more interesting than this album.
I do enjoy 'like an avalanche', and 'bones' frankly because the vocals are actually good. Artists should push their vocals to limit.
The 'art' Christians create should scream and point to the brilliant creativity of God in every direction. This is just mediocre. (check out Ian McIntosh, if you want an example of this)
And lyrically this album is lacking. This is the biggest letdown for me. I want more than 'God you are good' lyrics. My youth pastor once questioned my youth group if we were really worshiping the 'crescendo' during worship, or actually God. That answer is up to you.

I'm sorry to sound so negative. To be honest there isn't a 'bad' song on this album. It's not terrible. It's just not great. I still will probably find myself singing along. And i'm seeing them live next month!
But I just think that as Christians we need to step it up and exemplify the glory and heart of God in our lives (which is most important)and in our music, art, etc.
Therefore in my opinion, this album deserves no more than 3 stars.

In my opinion, this is my favorite Hillsong UNITED album yet! This is their only album that I can say I connect with every single song on it. As an intense and more "in the zone" worshipper, I greatly appreciate the more peaceful, yet VERY passionate flavor of this one. I also LOVE their focus on the sacrifice, grace, forgivness and HOPE that Jesus poured out on us by being so love-sick for us that He went to the cross. Well, done guys...well done.

When I first previewed these songs, I wasn't drawn. The songs seemed to kind of ran together tempo wise and I was expecting something different from Hillsong United. But then this album came up on a sale price and I decided to go for it and give it a try. Once I really sat down and entered into worship with it, I was overwhelmed and stunned. It is one of the most powerful worship albums I've ever purchased. It's not just the creativity of the music and the power of the lyrics that I love, there's something about this album that is indefinable and captivating.

This is a non attention-seeking GEM that is hidden to be found. This sat in my drawer untouched for a several months...before I discovered its full impact.
Beautiful - Contemplative - Relevant - TODAY...a beautiful personal devotion, ...a beautiful strengthening ministry in song - beautiful contemplative worship.

I found I could not immediately identify with this CD (though in full agreement with content) as this is not your regular praise & worship but one that fills a real and evolving niche in life that is appreciated from a quieter place/ stance. But one that I find is powerfully relevant in this present day and age. So, thanks United! Keep flowing in the Spirit and not be afraid to put out songs by conviction even if they may not be immediately popular, for they have just place in the kingdom. This isn't just another album, it is real and it's an "Encounter"

A couple of signature pieces (7/12 of them!) -
Album opens with "Take Heart" - great encouragement & reminder to all in the midst of such turmoil in the world
"Like an Avalanche" - connection, provision avails fr the Throne
"Rhythms of Grace" - sustaining, inexhaustible majesty!
"Aftermath" - quietening... restorative... testament... salve
"Bones"- life breathing, restoration in even the driest place
"Father" - connectivity
"Awakening" goes forth to every heart - "awake, my soul and sing"!

One may be disappointed if expecting another "worship pop" but hushhhh...and listen...and be revived...(O my soul)
New songs from the Lord given to water and restore - they are never stale but a bubbling stream that refreshes.
Love love, uploading to the iPs.

No less than 5*

Very nice! new rhythm, same feel. This album has everything we have come to expect from Hillsong United... great sound and great lyrics. What I rally like about this album is how they kept what is familiar to United (fast rifts, multiple build-ups, solid chords) and put it to a little slower rhythm. To me I picked up a bit of an indie sound in it, and I really liked it. Hillsong United has great musicians and artists, you can really tell that the music is a overflow from their relationship with God. One does not just sit down and write a worship song, one worships and lets their worship be their song. So thanks be to God and may the creativity gifted from God continue to pour out from these awesome men and women.

Cheers Mates!!

Truth is, with the exception of Mighty to Save, I've never taken to a Hillsong United song on the first listen. I listened to all the previews after Aftermath was released, was unimpressed, felt completely unaffected, unhooked. Our church got some tickets to the HU concert in LA at the Staples Center, so I wanted to buy the album, but the second listen to the previews still left me underwhelmed.

Then I went to the concert, and wow. The music started to really grab hold of me, I had an awesome worship experience. They are high energy, but deeply Spirit-filled, and extremely inspirational. The messages delivered between the songs were heartfelt and I truly worshiped full of the Spirit.

After my overwhelmingly positive concert experience, I gave it one more listen tonight. I bought the album. I love it. Not a bad song in the lot, only 1 3-star song (Awakening), the remainder were 4s and 5s. My favorites are Like an Avalanche, Aftermath, Take Heart, and Search My Heart.