Reviewed by Matthew Cordle

David Wakerley, Hillsong Kids' creative director, states, "We believe that teaching children to love God and others takes place in both the home and in the church." With this, their seventh release, Hillsong Kids continues to resource both parents and children's leaders, helping them impact the younger generation together. Released in both CD and DVD formats, the 14 songs here are designed to communicate truths about our loving God to young children and lift their hearts and voices in worship and reciprocal love. The overall style is celebratory, in both high-energy and quieter moments, but in a mature and thoughtful way without a hint of being twee. This is helped by the fact the overtly children's songs (many written by David and Beci Wakerley) are presented alongside classic "adult" songs such as "What A Beautiful Name" and "Who You Say I Am" and is a reminder that children are quite able to worship through many of what we consider to be "big church songs". There is plenty of material here that would work in churches of all types and sizes, whether accompanied by piano or a band. To this end, it's worth noting that songs are available to transpose and print off for those who have a CCLI SongSelect subscription. Highlights are "Ask Seek Knock", a toe-tapping reminder that God is always there waiting to respond when we call, the bouncy "My Best Friend", Joel Houston's and Marty Sampson's mini-creed declaration of who Jesus is and what he's done, and "Voices Of Freedom", a song of release from sin resulting in the inability to keep silent like Paul and Silas in jail. As you might expect from any Hillsong release, the musicianship and production are top-notch. I can see this becoming a favourite in the car for families with young children due to its ability to engage children without being tiresome to their parents.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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