Music
Press
This contemporary Christian album features songs that are superbly written and performed. Big drums and sweeping melodies start the record with “Psalm 139”. On “This World Of Me” Josh takes us on a journey through all the places that God can show up. The one place he wants Him to be is inside his life. “Waiting” kicks off with funky guitars, and speaks about the Lord waiting for you to come and seek His love. Sometimes we need to get away from our problems, let go and see what's on the other side, which is exactly the message in “Sail Away”. The song “Psalm 91” reminds us if we put our trust and faith in God, He will send His angels to protect and watch over us. Josh talks about how we stay the same and ignore the need to change on “Someone's At The Door”. Josh Hilliker's debut album 'Where Can I Run?' is solid from start to finish with songs that are catchy, bold, humble, and beautiful. - Power Source Magazine (January 1, 2006)
Ever have one of those days when, no matter how hard you try, you just can't find the up side? Pop Josh Hilliker's 'Where Can I Run?' into your CD player and prepare to be encouraged. Its subtle combination of worshipful melodies and uplifting lyrics are medicine for the soul. Throughout this recording, regardless of the song, Hilliker blends smooth vocals with rich guitar instrumentals, resulting in a sound that is tranquil and full, yet is imbued with true strength through its powerful lyrics.
'Where Can I Run?' is a journey of emotions. “Waiting” paints a picture of the despair and darkness facing a soul without the Lord's love. But Hilliker doesn't leave us there. He allows the music to move us on to become a hopeful outreach to the unsaved. “This World of Me” employs an enticing melody that draws you in. Before your realize it you find yourself humming along. And with its hope-building lyrics, I challenge anyone to listen to “Sail Away” and not find themselves feeling uplifted.
Even the more mellow tunes like “Beloved” inspire the listener by clearly and expressively illustrating how deep God's love is for the individual, while never losing a sense of the awe and majesty that is the Lord's. The final track, “I Don't Deserve You” is the perfect crescendo to this CD's theme. Here, Hilliker eloquently speaks to the fears and desperations we each face in life, while reminding us that despite it all, the Lord is waiting there for us, not because of our works, but by grace.
Whether you're on a quest for worship tunes to play at church, or have just had a day where nothing has gone your way, 'Where Can I Run?' is the answer.
- Shelley Pence
- Grassrootsmusic.com (October 12, 2005)
Discography
Josh Hilliker Live (2007)
Where Can I Run? (2005)
Photos
Bio
Josh Hilliker’s music is the perfect cure for road rage. His soothing vocals, catchy melodies, and uplifting lyrics are impossible to resist. After drawing early comparisons to John Mayer, Shane & Shane and Bebo Norman, he has now developed his own unmistakable sound consisting of equal parts groove, folk, blues and worship.
The son of a music minister, Josh grew up in church singing hymns of the faith. He learned to play guitar at an early age and pursued music through playing in local rock bands throughout high school and college. At the age of 19 he felt called to use his musical gifts to serve Christ. Josh says, “God revealed to me that I was using the gifts He had given me to glorify myself. I was playing college baseball and playing in a rock band so from the outside it looked like a pretty cool lifestyle, but inside I was a wreck. I realized that day that God had a plan for my life and I surrendered to follow Him the best I knew how.” Throughout the past few years Josh has served in the local church, led worship for World Changers and Centrifuge, and been fortunate enough to perform with some of Christian music’s top artists like Big Daddy Weave, Shane & Shane, Warren Barfield, Jason Morant, Casting Crowns and Aaron Shust.
Josh’s debut CD, 'Where Can I Run?' (January 2005), garnered rave reviews from grassrootsmusic.com and Power Source Magazine, and his first single, “Sail Away”, received radio airplay nationwide. Now he is celebrating the release of his much anticipated sophomore project, 'Josh Hilliker Live' (March 2007). A live worship album recorded in his hometown of Tuscaloosa, AL featuring two brand new original songs as well as covers of popular worship songs like “All The Earth” and “More Precious Than Silver”. The CD also includes a bonus studio track of Josh’s newest single, “Who Is Like You”, which was recently retired into the New Music Challenge Hall Of Fame (newreleasetuesday.com) after winning the Indie New Music Challenge six weeks in a row. Josh has appeared in CCM, Relevant, and Power Source magazines and his music is available at grassrootsmusic.com, cdbaby.com, independentbands.com and on iTunes. “I feel like my music is different because I am not afraid to write exactly what I feel, I'm not afraid to admit that I don't have it all together,” he says. “Sometimes what comes out could be a love song, a worship song, or just a song about something I'm going through or struggling with. And hopefully people can connect with that.”
With two recording projects under his belt and his touring schedule rapidly increasing, Josh is optimistic about the future and looks forward to any opportunity to minister and share his music. “This is what I was created to do, I truly believe that,” he says, “and my prayer is that the music will be so real that anyone who hears it can relate.”
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