CXMMXNS "All The Praise Belongs" Album Review

Prime Cuts: Say Amen, Foot of the Cross, Praise Belongs

Overall Grade: 4.5/5

Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan were long regarded as the melodic heart of Hillsong Worship. Together, they co-wrote many of the ministry's most enduring anthems, including "Mighty to Save," "Who You Say I Am," "Be Still," and "The Lord's Prayer." Morgan further contributed Hillsong staples such as "I Give You My Heart," "Cornerstone," "Christ Is Enough," and "God Is Able." After stepping away from the Australian megachurch, the duo formed CXMMXNS (pronounced "Commons"), a Sydney-based worship collective with a clear mission: to craft songs that are both singable for the church and rich in the theological depth of the great hymns. Their debut full-length album, All the Praise Belongs, largely fulfills this vision.

For those who have cherished their past Hillsong anthems, the album offers several standout tracks. "Say Amen" is a sheer delight-an energetic, rhythm-driven rouser that invites participation from the first note. Its infectious chorus-"Jesus Christ, the Rock of our salvation / Jesus Christ, the Living Cornerstone / Come wind, come rain, this hope won't fail / He is Lord, He is good, say amen"-is powerful enough to stir even the most reluctant singer to join in. Bella Taylor Smith, winner of The Voice Australia season 10, delivers a heartfelt vocal on "Foot of the Cross," a contemplative ballad that beautifully captures humility and surrender before Christ's sacrifice. Meanwhile, Y&F's Aodhan King features on the slow-building anthem "Praise Belongs," a song poised to resonate widely in congregational worship.

The album also revisits Hillsong's beloved "Mighty to Save," revitalized by Smith's emotive performance, and breathes fresh life into the classic hymn through "Trust and Obey" (feat. CAIN), successfully bridging tradition with modern worship expression. Dave Ware takes the lead on "Remember Christ," a communion ballad that, while sincere in intention, suffers lyrically from familiar phrases that fail to distinguish it in a crowded field of communion songs.

Not every track reaches the same heights. "Doorkeeper," inspired by Psalm 84, holds promise with its scriptural focus but is undermined by a melody that lacks memorability. Similarly, "Cast All My Cares" begins with a strong lyrical premise of surrendering burdens to God, yet its melodic line doesn't quite deliver the emotional lift required to make it stand out.

Despite a few weaker moments, All the Praise Belongs succeeds in achieving what CXMMXNS set out to do. It combines the lyrical depth of hymnody with accessible melodies and collaborative performances, proving that Fielding and Morgan's songwriting legacy continues to shape the sound of modern worship.

 

 

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