Hillsong Worship released their highly anticipated live worship album, Open Heaven / River Wild, on October 16. In its first week, Open Heaven / River Wild debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart, No. 5 on the Billboard's Digital Chart and Top 25 on Billboard 200. Soundscan charted the LP at No. 1 on both Praise & Worship and Christian Digital Albums charts, and it hit No. 1 on iTunes' Christian/Gospel Albums and Top 10 iTunes Overall charts.
In Australia, the album debuted at No. 1 on the ARIA Albums Chart its first week, which is only the fourth time in the history of the Hillsong Church. This is the first album that the church has recorded live at its annual conference in Sydney, Australia, and more than 25,000 were in attendance.
Touted as "a lyrical masterpiece," the project features songs written by a variety of Hillsong worship leaders including Reuben Morgan, Taya Smith, Marty Sampson, Joel Houston, Ben Fielding and others. Here are key reviews praising the album:
"Open Heaven / River Wild is yet another Hillsong album full of rich anthems for the Church to sing. This collection of songs will provide the church with a fresh batch of songs for corporate worship with a heartfelt and intimate feel." - Worship Leader Magazine
"Don't miss out on this incredible worship album, one of the best of the year for sure. All of the songs are catchy, exciting and worshipful. Open Heaven / River Wild is a must-have for your praise and worship collection. This album invites listeners to cast our minds to Calvary." -- NewReleaseToday
"Hillsong has managed yet again to create a lyrical masterpiece, which along with incredibly moving vocal performances, connects listeners to our God above. The twelve tracks on this album are beautifully written songs of praise that draw listeners in to a sacred place of worship." -- TheChristianBeat
"Fans of Hillsong will be as captivated as ever by the definitive sound of this live album. Lush keyboards, booming drums, ornate and driving guitars, passionate lead vocals, and the compelling landscape of several thousand voices in the conference crowd... all of this and more provides for a heartfelt album that worshippers and worship leaders around the world will draw from for years to come!" -- LifeWay's WorshipLife
Hillsong Worship's debut single, "One Thing," is currently impacting radio. Check out the acoustic version of this first single from the new album below. The group also recently concluded their time in the U.S. on the Hillsong Nights tour along with the church's Senior Pastor Brian Houston, who was also promoting his new book "Live Love Lead." They also wrapped their 3rd Annual Hillsong Conference, held in New Jersey October 22-24.
