Matt Crocker “interlude” Album Review

Prime Cuts: Skeletons, love me as i am, PRAiiiSE

Overall Grade: 3/5

Under the Hillsong umbrella, Matt Crocker was responsible for penning some of their most beloved anthems, including "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)," "I Surrender," "Scandal of Grace," and "This I Believe (The Creed)." Like many of his peers, Crocker has stepped into the solo spotlight now that Hillsong's influence is waning. Vocally, his tenor is compelling-just listen to the way he stretches the long notes on the meditative "love me as i am," a poignant ode to God's unconditional love. It's arguably the album's vocal high point. However, those expecting 11 tracks of Hillsong-style, stadium-filling worship will be sorely disappointed.

Described as a "merciful rest for the soul," interlude is intentionally subdued, designed more as a personal soundtrack for quiet reflection than a Sunday setlist. Echoing the recent solo efforts of fellow Hillsong alumnus Benjamin William Hastings, the album leans heavily into slow, introspective ballads. "JESUS," one of the lead singles, plays like a modern hymn filtered through the atmospheric lens of Radiohead. If you're searching for a trace of UNITED's grandeur, "hallelujah" comes closest, with its thumping percussion and soaring, anthemic chorus.

"mesmerised" experiments with a garage-style, echo-laden sound that may appeal to fans of rawer, lo-fi aesthetics. Meanwhile, "amazing Love" is a sparse, piano-driven ballad that borders on somnolent. Brooke Ligertwood makes a brief appearance on the ultra-short opener "sleepless," which, at just over two minutes, plays like a lullaby-and a somewhat forgettable one at that.

This brings us to the album's central weakness: a lack of melodic distinctiveness. While the lyrics are heartfelt and the mood introspective, the songs generally lack the strong hooks that once made Hillsong's music globally singable. What once set Hillsong apart-the ability to craft songs that both stir the heart and fill a room-feels absent here. The melodies, like the megachurch that birthed them, seem to have faded.

Still, tracks like "PRAiiiSE" and "skeletons" fare better. The former has a congregational energy, while the latter finds its footing in a groovy, rhythm-driven arrangement. Yet even these moments can't fully lift interlude above its own artistic introspection. Like many singer-songwriters striking out on their own, Crocker appears more focused on personal exploration than broad accessibility. That might work for one or two albums-but it may not sustain a solo career over time.

 

 

Tags : Matt Crocker “interlude” Album Review matt crocker Hillsong Hillsong United brooke ligertwood