If you will ask me right now who is the most zealous and hardworking music artist I know, I would tell you it’s Planetshakers. This worship band from a Christian church (of the same name) in Melbourne, Australia has released a total of 37 full albums and multiple EPs during the last two decades! Looking into their history, they did not really start as a church, but a movement with a mission to empower generations to win generations through the leadership of Pastor Russell Evans, the founding pastor.
“RAIN”, the latest offering from the band, was recorded during the Planetshakers Conferences in Melbourne, Philippines, and Malaysia early this year. This album that comprises 12 songs on CD with additional three tracks on digital platforms was released last September 09.
Since 2016, Planetshakers has produced a total of 11 EPs which they ultimately released as full albums. Projects such as Legacy (2017), Heaven on Earth (2018), and Rain (2019) were all pre-released as multi-part EPs. I don’t know what is behind this EP craze that Planetshakers is into but I’m enjoying it. On the other hand, releasing EPs with a very little to medium interval in between somehow compromises the overall quality of songs. Many would agree with me that the majority of the sounds from “Rain” album have already been done and heard on their previous records. Songs such as I Choose You, Only Way, All Around, I Lift Your Name Up, My Reason, Fall on Me revisit already-plowed ground. These songs resound the Planetshakers generic brand of upbeat, EDM-laced praise party.
From the same powerhouse that brought us songs like Healer, I Just Want You, Even Greater, I must say that Planetshakers is not just excellent in producing upbeat, praise party tracks from which they are known for, but also in releasing anthemic worship songs. From Take Your Place that boldly declares the Lordship of Jesus Christ to God is On The Throne that proclaims His sovereignty, Rain album is powerfully balanced with heartfelt worship anthems.
Overall, Rain does not disappoint. While the majority of the tracks tend to sound a little bit generic, the entire album is very singable and congregation-friendly. The artistry and collective effort behind this project are wonderfully manifested throughout the album. Above all, Rain represents the heartbeat and cry of a generation longing for more of God.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Buy RAIN on Christianbook: https://www.christianbook.com/planetshakers/rain/pd/CD30268?event=AFF&p=1207743
Track listing:
01) Only Way
02) My Reason
03) Fall On Me
04) Rain Your Glory Down
05) God Is On The Throne
06) Right Now
07) I Choose You
08) I Lift Your Name Up
09) All Around
10) Take Your Place
11) Fire Fall
12) Anything Can Happen
13) God Is On The Thone (Studio)
14) I Lift Your Name Up (80’s Remix)
15) Fall On Me (Heavy Remix)
About Planetshakers:
Since its inaugural gathering in 1997, Planetshakers has gone on to become a global movement through its annual conferences, international church campuses and numerous live recordings, including multiple Dove Award-nominated projects. The Australia-based collective, led by Senior Pastors Russell and Sam Evans, has hosted gatherings in cities around the world while also launching Planetshakers Church in 2004. With over 17,000 members in Melbourne, Planetshakers Church is one of the fastest growing churches in that nation’s history, stretching across five campuses in Melbourne with additional locations in Singapore; Cape Town, South Africa; Geneva, Switzerland and Austin, TX.
Celebrating over 20 years of ministry, Planetshakers honors the countless ways God has used its ministry and music to raise up a generation of Christ followers with a clear vision of taking the Gospel to the nations… “empowering generations to win generations.”
Disclosure: A review copy of RAIN was provided for review by Planetshakers, from whom you may purchase the album.
KristiyaKnow 