Authenticity Personified Posted November 08, 2022 By SelenaSchulz_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need to Know
Benjamin Hastings is a worship leader, both as a part of Hillsong United and as a solo musician. Hailing from Ireland, he found a home in the Australia Hillsong community, although he now resides in the United States. He pens lyrical masterpieces that many are probably already familiar with including "So Will I (100 Billion X)," "Gratitude," and "The Father's House." His role as a co-writer on these projects is just a fraction of his musical talent though, and he is intent on sharing his faith using his own voice as well. That's where his lead vocals come in on "So Will I" and the Hillsong Worship melody, "Come Alive."
Benjamin recently released his solo album, aptly titled Benjamin William Hastings, which is an extensive collection of songs showcasing his heart and his journey. This record has been on repeat for me the past few days; I hope you are as moved by its candidness as I was (and continue to be as I make it the soundtrack for writing this).
What It Sounds Like
From the first lines of "Hold Onto Your Hats," I was utterly convinced of this album's worth. And a worthy album it was indeed. "So hold onto your hats, hold on to your hearts/We're gonna lie in the dirt, but we'll stare at the stars."
There were only a few instruments incorporated into the album, but with an ever-increasing diversity of dynamics, each song sounded fresh. Nevertheless, it remained able to flow between the neighboring melodies and that fluidity is what gives this album its character. My favorite dynamic was created through the "The Pain You Let Me Feel," "Anyway," and "Only One Response." The former and latter are beautiful intros and outros, respectively, to the already released single "Anyway." This album sounds like life and it sounds like truth. Drifting above the instrumentals is an autobiography of faith that translates into an encouraging tale sure to inspire all who listen.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Benjamin is a master songwriter and he has a unique way of translating truth into tune. The phrases he crafts seem to embed themselves in my mind; everything from "you came down the mountain like a pilgrim in reverse" to "And I don't know the timing/So I'm guessing it's not mine to know" is proof of his talent.
However, more than that, his words are proof of his reliance on the Lord and that is what this album hones in on. There is no sugarcoating but rather, credence is given to the struggles of the past while still weighing God's constant devotion as greater than any fear. "Well, if you're God, then you're God/And I know You know more than I might." Isn't that the truth? None of us is perfect and nobody ever feels perfectly sufficient for this world. But I do believe that as Christians we can be perfectly fulfilled by the Lord and that is the message communicated with power in this album.
Best Song
This album only came out a few days ago and I have already experienced a rotating list of treasured songs. Currently, my favorite is "Cathedrals of the Nelder Grove." I cherish Benjamin's lyrical reference to "Seasons" which is one of my favorites in the category of Hillsong Worship songs that he leads. Back to this song though, there is something so pure to the metaphor he crafts about how sequoias have to burn at high intensity in order to experience future reproduction. The swelling instrumentals and accompanying vocals tugged at my heart and the National Geographic voiceover was just one more element that made me intensely overcome with emotion.
I found myself wanting to cry by the end of this song and yet, the tears were warranted; I've never experienced a song that made me feel so seen. And it was about trees, no less! All that to say, I was deeply moved by this song and when Benjamin tacked on the final lyric: "You can't change where you've been/But you have where you are/Every start has its end/But every end is a start," I broke. I could continue detailing my reaction to this incredible melody, but it would require a focus shift from the song to me and that's not why I've been raving about it for the last paragraph. I urge you to listen to "Cathedrals of the Nelder Grove" and see for yourself what I am talking about. Even when my favorite song rotates on, I am confident this one will retain a special place in my heart.
I suppose I could make a joke about its "indulgently long" 25-song format, but one look at his Instagram and anyone can see that he's laughed about that enough for everyone. So it's not a jab at the length when I stress how appreciative I am that Benjamin was vulnerable enough to include so many tunes. Of course there is his iconic single, "Homeward" and his catchy collaboration with JUDAH, "Feels Like a Blessing," but there are also the thirty-second songwriting snippets and the raw acoustic sessions. Recorded and captured, these tracks felt like precious moments caught in a bottle and then released for all to hear. I had the unmistakable feeling of honor to get to be one of those listeners. Since I have always enjoyed watching Benjamin lead worship, I do admit some bias on behalf of this review. However, I have little doubt that after listening you will be just as blown away as I was. Benjamin William Hastings is honest and relatable, talented and faithful; his album by the same name is no different. Go give it a listen.
