These Same Skies
These Same Skies is 27th live album by Australian worship group Hillsong Worship. The album was released on November 5, 2021, by Hillsong Music and Capitol CMG.[1] The album features appearances by Benjamin Hastings, Mi-kaisha Rose, Reuben Morgan, Brooke Ligertwood, Aodhan King, and Saye Pratt. Production was handled by Brooke Ligertwood and Michael Guy Chislett.
| These Same Skies | ||||
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| Live album by | ||||
| Released | 5 November 2021 | |||
| Recorded | 2 September 2021 | |||
| Venue | Saddleback Church, Orange County, California, U.S. | |||
| Genre | Contemporary worship music | |||
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| Producer | ||||
| Hillsong Worship live album chronology | ||||
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| Hillsong Worship chronology | ||||
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| Singles from These Same Skies | ||||
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These Same Skies was preceded by the release of "Hope of the Ages" as the lead single from the album, with "Never Walk Alone" and "That's The Power" being released as promotional singles.
These Same Skies debuted at number fifteen on Billboard's Top Christian Albums Chart in the United States, as well as the Official Charts' Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart in the United Kingdom.
Background
On 8 October 2021, Hillsong Worship announced These Same Skies as their forthcoming album slated for release on 5 November 2021, being availed for digital pre-order.[2] These Same Skies was recorded in Orange County, California, marking the first Hillsong Worship project to be recorded entirely in the United States.[3] Chris Davenport of Hillsong Worship shared the meaning behind the album's title, saying:[4]
From the very beginning, the skies have displayed the glory of God. The skies over creation. The skies over the miracles of the Old Testament. The skies over the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus — these same skies are the ones we live and worship under today.
Release and promotion
Singles
Hillsong Worship released a studio-recorded version of "Hope of the Ages" alongside Reuben Morgan and Cody Carnes on 20 August 2021.[5]
Promotional singles
Hillsong Worship released "Never Walk Alone" featuring Mi-kaisha Rose as the first promotional single from the album on 8 October 2021.[6]
Hillsong Worship released "That's The Power" featuring Benjamin Hastings as the second promotional single from the album on 22 October 2021.[7]
Critical reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| 365 Days of Inspiring Media | 4.5/5[8] |
| The Christian Beat | 4/5[9] |
| JubileeCast | 4.75/5[10] |
Joshua Andre in his 365 Days of Inspiring Media review gave a positive review of the album, saying: "These Same Skies is an album that needs to be listened to despite everything that happened to Hillsong the church."[8] Christian Ellis of The Christian Beat concluded in his review that "Hillsong Worship’s These Same Skies reminds us that under the skies we live under, He’s still doing what only what He can do – making something good out of us."[9] JubileeCast's Timothy Yap gave a favourable review of the album, saying: "Hillsong Worship is such a mainstay in contemporary worship music that you can always count on them delivering church-friendly songs. This one's no exception. It's full of songs ready to serve the church in the honor of our Lord Jesus Christ."[10] Reviewing for NewReleaseToday, Kevin Davis opined that "These Same Skies is loaded with several stirring new worship songs that really set me in the proper mindset to praise God for loving me so much that He gave His life away for all that was lost. I really enjoy the exciting musical vibe of this album, and the melodies are catchy, and the lyrics are prayerful."[11]
Commercial performance
In the United States, These Same Skies debuted at number fifteen on the Top Christian Albums Chart[14]
In the United Kingdom, These Same Skies debuted on the OCC's Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart at number fifteen.[15]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "That’s the Power" (featuring Benjamin Hastings) |
| 4:35 |
| 2. | "That’s the Power (Reprise)" (featuring Benjamin Hastings) |
| 2:23 |
| 3. | "Surrounds Me" (featuring Mi‐kaisha Rose) | 3:39 | |
| 4. | "Freedom" (featuring Reuben Morgan) |
| 4:17 |
| 5. | "Hope of the Ages" (featuring Reuben Morgan) |
| 6:37 |
| 6. | "Never Walk Alone" (featuring Mi‐kaisha Rose) |
| 5:49 |
| 7. | "Resurrender" (featuring Brooke Ligertwood) |
| 7:02 |
| 8. | "Secret Place" (featuring Chris Davenport) | Chris Davenport | 5:28 |
| 9. | "Waiting (Spontaneous)" (featuring Brooke Ligertwood) |
| 7:28 |
| 10. | "Song for His Presence" (featuring Aodhan King and Saye Pratt) |
| 7:35 |
| 11. | "All to Him" (featuring Joel Houston) | Joel Houston | 7:08 |
| Total length: | 62:00 | ||
Personnel
Vocals
- Brooke Ligertwood – lead vocals, acoustic guitar, piano
- Reuben Morgan – lead vocals, acoustic guitar
- Joel Houston – lead vocals, acoustic guitar
- Chris Davenport – lead vocals, acoustic guitar, piano
- Benjamin Hastings – lead vocals, guitars
- Aodhan King – lead vocals
- Mi-kaisha Rose – lead vocals
- Saye Pratt – lead vocals
Musicians
- Michael Guy Chislett – producer, electric guitar
- Dylan Thomas – electric guitar
- Dan McMurray – drums
Charts
| Chart (2021) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Christian & Gospel Albums (OCC)[15] | 15 |
| US Christian Albums (Billboard)[17] | 15 |
Release history
| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | 5 November 2021 | [16] | ||
| 3 December 2021 | CD |
References
- Chavez, Adrianna (5 November 2021). "Hillsong Worship Release New Live Album 'These Same Skies'". The Christian Beat. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
- "Louder Than The Music - Hillsong Worship Drops New Single 'Never Walk Alone'". Louder Than The Music. 8 October 2021. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
- Clarks, Jessie (5 November 2021). "Hillsong Worship Drops New Live Album 'These Same Skies' - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
- "Hillsong Worship interview — lead worship well". lead worship well. 5 November 2021. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
- Clarks, Jessie (20 August 2021). "Hillsong Worship Releases "Hope Of The Ages" - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
- Clarks, Jessie (8 October 2021). "Hillsong Worship Debuts New Single "Never Walk Alone" Feat. Mi-kaisha Rose - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
- Clarks, Jessie (22 October 2021). "Hillsong Worship Debuts "That's The Power" - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
- Andre, Joshua (10 November 2021). "Hillsong Worship – These Same Skies | 365 Days of Inspiring Media". 365 Days of Inspiring Media. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
- Ellis, Christian (5 November 2021). "Hillsong Worship's 'These Same Skies' Reminds Us That Our Story Is Not Over - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
- Yap, Timothy (5 November 2021). "Hillsong Worship "These Same Skies (Live)" Album Review : Exclusives : JubileeCast". JubileeCast. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
- Davis, Kevin (4 November 2021). "These Same Skies (Live) by Hillsong Worship Christian CD Book Reviews | NRTeam Member KevinDavis_NRT | NewReleaseToday". NewReleaseToday. NRT Media, Inc. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
- Davis, Kevin (16 December 2021). "Best of 2021: Top 10 Albums of the Year | NRT LISTS | NewReleaseToday". NewReleaseToday. NRT Media, Inc. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
- Yap, Timothy (31 December 2021). "Best Christian Albums of 2021 : Exclusives : JubileeCast". JubileeCast. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
- "Top Christian Albums Chart - Billboard". Billboard. Top Christian Albums Chart. Billboard-Hollywood Reporter Media Group. 16 November 2021. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
- "Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart Top 20 | Official Charts Company". Official Charts Company. 12 November 2021. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
- "These Same Skies (Live) by Hillsong Worship on Amazon Music - Amazon.com". Amazon.com. 5 November 2021. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
- "Hillsong Worship Chart History (Christian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 27 December 2021.