Reviewed by Tony Cummings

This album has just won an award as Hawaii's Religious Album Of The Year. I'm not sure how many religious albums originate from Hawaii in any 12 months but credit where credit is due. Founded in 1996, New Hope Oahu is today a thriving megachurch with over 14,500 attendees and with a state-of-the-art recording studio is in a good place to deliver a top notch worship album. This they have done, thanks in part to the strong worship leaders the church have assembled and in part to producer David Handley. David was once a member of Press Play and indeed there is a pop techno element heard at the beginning of "Grace Like Rain". More often though the songs are slow and meditative and "Grace In Us" - a powerful description of what Jesus has given us through his shed blood - and the gentle "Perfect Peace" both induce a worshipful mood. This isn't the bombastic live set the title might suggest but as a skilfully executed set of Jesus glorifying songs 'Victorious' works very well.

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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