Music review: Like David Guetta with a spiritual twist: The music of Hillsong Young & Free

I've said it before on social media, and I'll say it again: Listening to Hillsong Young and Free is like listening to David Guetta or Zedd, except for the lyrics which are positively different.

Don't get me wrong, though. The style of this new Christian band from the Sydney-based Pentecostal megachurch whose music ministry previously brought us "Shout To The Lord" and "One Way Jesus" is very much fitted for preteens, teens, and young adults—the same demographic that digs the likes of Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, Fifth Harmony, and Nick Jonas.

Hillsong Y&F has started the year 2015 right for young Christians and non-Christians alike with the release of their new EP, "This Is Living." Its five tracks have a combination of infectious beats and reflective melody and lyrics. The EP and its carrier single share the same name, with the latter featuring Christian rapper Lecrae. The music video was released just over the weekend.



Sounds like a tune night clubs would usually play, don't you think? But behind its driving groove is a declaration of redemption after one acknowledges Christ as his or her personal savior: "All is new in the Savior I am found; this is living now!"

Next on the list is another song to dance to, "Energy." This is something fans of synthpop would surely love, as some people have even compared the song's style to that of Scottish electronic band Chvrches. But there's more to love to this track other than how it's performed, and that's (you've guessed it right) the lyrics.



"Pursue," track number three, seems to be the transition between the danceable songs to the slower and more reflective ones. The song, close to seven minutes long, is basically the cry of a believer who wants to know more of Jesus Christ: "Desperate for Your presence, longing to be with You, lead me to a new place more of You..."



Now on to the slower ones! The fourth track is an acoustic version of the carrier single. Although the version doesn't carry the infectious beat of the original one, it's more suited for those who want to praise God for the gift of salvation in a more reflective way, perhaps while sitting alone in a room praying.

But what the version lacks in groove, it makes up for in harmony. The final track is a studio version of "Sinking Deep," which was previously performed live in the band's 2013 album "We Are Young & Free." Again, it's a perfect track for those who prefer to reflect and worship the Lord quietly, and perhaps even privately.





"This Is Living" is certainly something God-fearing youngsters (and youngers-at-heart) will surely want to have, giving them options to either worship the One above through dancing or silent prayer.

On a personal note, I appreciate the band's way of reaching out to young lost souls through music. Many times their music videos on YouTube have received flak from people who say their songs sound "worldly." However, it is apparently through this strategy that more people are appreciating what it's like being with God. As Jesus Himself said: "For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost (Luke 19:10 NLT)." — BM, GMA News

Hillsong Young & Free's "This Is Living" EP is available for download on iTunes.