Review Rating: Must Listen! [4.9 / 5]
Before the new year, Bethel Music’s Amanda Lindsey Cook reemerged to fans on social media after a long hiatus, posting a handwritten note which explained the singer’s absence, hinting at new music in the works. Earlier this month, Cook revealed the letter’s allusive meaning to announce her upcoming House On A Hill, set to release Mar. 29. Cook, with GRAMMY-winning producers Jason Ingram and Paul Mabury (Lauren Daigle, Cory Asbury) and long-time collaborator Steffany Gretzinger, wrote and recorded the album in a secluded house in the wooded hills of Nashville, TN over the course of two months. When announcing the upcoming release, Cook dropped one of the ten tracks “Awakening” ahead of the full album.
The other nine tracks are equally as impressive, blending Cook’s gifts as a worship leader and songwriter. The title track captures in song the essence of Cook’s handwritten note posted after her hiatus – speaking of the necessity of stillness, quiet, and silence during certain seasons. The vocal’s piano accompaniment is minimal and comprised of mainly block chords and simple melodies that alternate throughout the song.
“Not Going Anywhere” shares the message of God’s love being different from all other kinds of love. His love alone is unwavering and always present in and despite any circumstance. The sound of this track parallels this message of consistency with a rhythm that is set and maintained from the very start of the song.
“Water Under the Bridge” has beautiful lyrics that could stand alone as a poem if not being sung. The music behind the lyrics enhances the experience, particularly with the unique swells of music about halfway through.
Cook’s House On A Hill is a true piece of art born from a place of rawness, fragility, and honesty. The collection of tracks that make up this album shows a level of intentionality that can only be God-inspired, and will immediately transform the listener’s heart into a posture of worship.
Cook will kick off the release of House On A Hill with four consecutive shows starting in New York, NY, closing in Nashville, TN., the very place the project was birthed. Cook will then join Hillsong UNITED USA Tour 2019 on the coast to coast trek along with worship leader Mack Brock. The tour will make stops in major markets across the U.S. including Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Washington, DC and New York, NY, transforming amphitheaters and arenas throughout the nation into nights of worship.
