Hymn of Heaven

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Hymn of Heaven
Hymn of Heaven Album Cover
Studio album by
Phil Wickham
ReleasedJune 25, 2021 (2021-06-25)
Recorded2020
Genre
Length58:49
Label
Producer
  • Jonathan Smith
  • Ran Jackson
  • Ricky Jackson
  • Kyle Lee
  • Adrien Disch
  • Taylor Johnson
  • Jason Ingram
Phil Wickham chronology
Christmas: Acoustic Sessions
(2020) 		Hymn of Heaven
(2021)
Singles from Hymn of Heaven
  1. "Battle Belongs"
    Released: September 4, 2020
  2. "House of the Lord"
    Released: April 2, 2021

Hymn of Heaven is the eighth studio album by American contemporary Christian singer Phil Wickham. The album was released on June 25, 2021,[1] by Fair Trade Services and Columbia Records. The album features a guest appearance by Brandon Lake.

The album has been supported by the release of "Battle Belongs" and "House of the Lord" as singles. "Battle Belongs" peaked at No. 13 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart, and No. 2 on the Hot Christian Songs chart. "House of the Lord" peaked at No. 27 on the Hot Christian Songs chart. "It's Always Been You" was released as a promotional single. Hymn of Heaven will be promoted with the Nights of Worship tour, followed by the Singalong Tour, which is set to span the United States. The album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums Chart in the United States, and at No. 6 on the Official Charts' Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart in the United Kingdom.

Background[]

Billboard first reported that Hymn of Heaven was Phil Wickham's upcoming studio album, slated for release on June 25, 2021, following the No. 1 peak of "Battle Belongs" on the Christian Airplay chart.[2] Wickham collaborated with various songwriters such Jonathan Smith, Jason Ingram, Ethan Hulse, Brian Johnson, Ricky and Ran Jackson, Passion City's Sean Curran, Hillsong's Chris Davenport, Bethel Music's Kalley Heiligenthal, and Brandon Lake, whose vocals are also featured on the song "Where I'm Standing Now".[3] Wickham described the album as being "full of praise and thankfulness, just lifting up the name of Jesus and speaking what we know the reality is even though we don't see it," further adding that his intention was to "facilitate moments where people can encounter the presence of God."[4][5]

Release and promotion[]

Singles[]

"Battle Belongs" was released as the lead single of Hymn of Heaven on September 4, 2020.[6] The single went on to peak at No. 13 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart,[7] and No. 2 on the Hot Christian Songs chart.[8]

"House of the Lord" was released as the second single from the album on April 2, 2021.[9] The single peaked at No. 27 on the Hot Christian Songs chart.[10]

Promotional singles[]

On May 12, 2021, Phil Wickham announced that "It's Always Been You" will be released on May 14, 2021.[11] "It's Always Been You" was released as the first promotional single from the album, concurrently launching the album's pre-order.[12][13] The song peaked at No. 27 on the Hot Christian Songs chart.[14]

Touring[]

In promotion of Hymn of Heaven, Wickham will embark on the Night Of Worship tour in the spring and summer, along with festival dates throughout the summer. Wickham will also embark on the Singalong Tour alongside Pat Barrett and Brandon Lake in various cities across the United States in the fall.[15]

Critical response[]

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
365 Days of Inspiring Media5/5[16]
Jesus Freak Hideout3/5 stars[17]
JubileeCast3.75/5[18]
Today's Christian Entertainment4.5/5 stars[19]

Jonathan Andre in his 365 Days of Inspiring Media review congratulated Wikcham for the album, saying: "Well done Phil for such a project that stands tall amongst many of the worship album releases of 2021 so far. This is a perfect album for anyone who has enjoyed much of Phil's music catalogue previously, or those who love and appreciate worship-style music with more of a creative edge.".[16] In a positive review for Worship Leader, Caitlin Lassiter said of the album: "From top to bottom, Hymn of Heaven is one of the most lyrically encouraging, profound and impactful worship records I’ve ever heard. Aiding Wickham’s stunning vocal, the content of this album is carefully crafted to offer churches a dozen new declarations for their people that lift their eyes to Jesus and pour hope into their hearts."[20] In a NewReleaseToday review, Kevin Davis wrote a positive review of the album, saying "This album provides listeners with songs that proclaim acceptance of God’s love in any circumstance. Hymn of Heaven provides words of appreciation and adoration of God. Phil's enthusiastic and reverent style of writing and singing praise and worship songs has consistently been a draw for me. His prayerful sentiments are consistently filled with his personal adoration of God. I've felt that he's improved with each new album and this is my top worship album of the year."[21] Abby Thigpen, indicating in a positive review at Today's Christian Entertainment, said "I love how worship albums have evolved in more recent years. No longer can we only praise God with just piano and old English, but with a wide variety of joyful noises, including those found throughout Hymn of Heaven. I ended this album feeling rejuvenated and with a renewed sense of awe and wonder for our Heavenly Father."[19]

Jesus Freak Hideout's Josh Balogh said in his lacklustre review of the album: "while the album as a whole is a classic mixed bag, the songs that nail it really do. Wickham is one of the better voices in the genre, and he continues to write hopeful and encouraging songs for the believer to belt at church and at home. Next time out, it would be nice to see some experimentation or a greater depth of lyric, perhaps better balancing the devotional songs with the congregational ones."[17] Timothy Yap of JubileeCast concluded in his review of the album: "Hymn of Heaven may not be perfect, but it does have its celestial moments."[18]

Commercial performance[]

In the United States, Hymn of Heaven earned 6,000 equivalent album units in its first week of sales, and as a result debuted at No. 1 on the Top Christian Albums Chart dated July 10, 2021, becoming becoming Wickham's third No. 1 entry on the chart.[22]

Track listing[]

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Battle Belongs"
Jonathan Smith4:47
2."Hymn of Heaven"
Jonathan Smith4:27
3."House of the Lord"
  • Wickham
  • Jonathan Smith
Jonathan Smith4:16
4."It's Always Been You"
  • Wickham
  • Ricky Jackson
  • Ran Jackson
  • Ran Jackson
  • Ricky Jackson
4:01
5."Where I'm Standing Now" (featuring Brandon Lake)
  • Wickham
  • Brandon Lake
  • Brian Johnson
Kyle Lee4:30
6."Reason I Sing"
  • Wickham
  • Smith
Jonathan Smith4:28
7."His Name Is Jesus"
  • Wickham
  • Brian Johnson
  • Lake
  • Kalley Heiligenthal
  • Davenport
  • Dominic Shahbon
Kyle Lee5:21
8."1,000 Names"
  • Wickham
  • Taylor Johnson
  • Adrian Disch
  • Sean Curran
  • Adrien Disch
  • Taylor Johnson
5:44
9."Falling in Love"
  • Wickham
  • Smith
  • Curran
  • Melodie Malone
Jonathan Smith4:45
10."Look to Jesus"
Jason Ingram4:42
11."God of Revival"
  • Wickham
  • Brian Johnson
Jonathan Smith5:20
12."3:16 (Spontaneous)"
  • Wickham
  • Brian Johnson
  • Lake
  • Heiligenthal
  • Davenport
  • Shahbon
Jonathan Smith2:28
13."Heart Full of Praise"
  • Wickham
  • Ingram
  • Hulse
Jason Ingram4:00
Total length:58:49

Charts[]

Chart (2021) Peak
position
UK Christian & Gospel Albums (OCC)[23] 6
US Christian Albums (Billboard)[24] 1
US Independent Albums (Billboard)[25] 37
US Top Album Sales (Billboard)[26] 51

Release history[]

Release history and formats for Hymn of Heaven
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
Various June 25, 2021
[27][28]

References[]

  1. ^ Longs, Herb (June 25, 2021). "Phil Wickham's New Album 'Hymn Of Heaven' Out Now - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  2. ^ Asker, Jim (April 7, 2021). "Phil Wickham Tops Christian Airplay Chart With 'Battle Belongs'". Billboard. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  3. ^ "JFH News: Phil Wickham's new album, "Hymn of Heaven," Releases June 25". Jesus Freak Hideout. May 12, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  4. ^ "Phil Wickham Set to Release New Album". NewReleaseToday. May 13, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  5. ^ Longs, Herb (May 13, 2021). "Phil Wickham's New Album 'Hymn Of Heaven' Coming June 25 - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  6. ^ Cluver, Ross (September 4, 2020). "Phil Wickham Releases New Single 'Battle Belongs' – CCM Magazine". CCM Magazine. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  7. ^ "Battle Belongs Chart History | Billboard". Billboard. Bubbling Under Hot 100. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  8. ^ "Battle Belongs Chart History | Billboard". Billboard. Hot Christian Songs. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  9. ^ Clarks, Jessie (April 2, 2021). "Phil Wickham Premieres New Single "House Of The Lord" - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  10. ^ "House Of The Lord Chart History | Billboard". Billboard. Hot Christian Songs. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  11. ^ Harper, Blessing (May 12, 2021). "Phil Wickham Announces New Single and Live Streaming Concert : News : JubileeCast". JubileeCast. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  12. ^ "It's Always Been You by Phil Wickham on Amazon Music". Amazon.com. May 14, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  13. ^ Clarks, Jessie (May 14, 2021). "Phil Wickham Debuts "It's Always Been You" Single & Video - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved May 15, 2021.
  14. ^ "It's Always Been You Chart History". Billboard. Hot Christian Songs. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
  15. ^ Harper, Blessing (May 13, 2021). "7 Things to Know About Phil Wickham's "Hymn of Heaven" : News : JubileeCast". JubileeCast. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
  16. ^ Jump up to: a b Andre, Jonathan (June 25, 2021). "Phil Wickham – Hymn of Heaven | 365 Days of Inspiring Media". 365 Days of Inspiring Media. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  17. ^ Jump up to: a b Balogh, Josh (June 22, 2021). "Jesusfreakhideout.com: Phil Wickham, "Hymn of Heaven" Review". Jesusfreakhideout.com. Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  18. ^ Jump up to: a b Yap, Timothy (June 24, 2021). "Phil Wickham "Hymn of Heaven" Album Review : Exclusives : JubileeCast". JubileeCast. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  19. ^ Jump up to: a b Thigpen, Abby (June 24, 2021). "Phil Wickham 'Hymn of Heaven' – Today's Christian Entertainment". Today's Christian Entertainment. Avada. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
  20. ^ Lassiter, Caitlin (June 13, 2021). "Music Review | "Hymn of Heaven" By Phil Wickham | WL". Worship Leader. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  21. ^ Davis, Kevin (June 24, 2021). "Hymn of Heaven by Phil Christian CD Book Reviews | NRTeam Member KevinDavis_NRT | NewReleaseToday". NewReleaseToday. NRT Media, Inc. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
  22. ^ Asker, Jim (July 8, 2021). "Phil Wickham Earns Third No. 1 on Top Christian Albums Chart | Billboard". Billboard. Billboard-Hollywood Reporter Media Group. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
  23. ^ "Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart Top 20 | Official Charts Company". Official Charts Company. July 12, 2021. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
  24. ^ "Phil Wickham Chart History (Christian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  25. ^ "Phil Wickham Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  26. ^ "Phil Wickham Chart History (Top Album Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved July 7, 2021.
  27. ^ "Hymn Of Heaven by Phil Wickham on Amazon Music - Amazon.com". Amazon.com. May 14, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  28. ^ "Hymn Of Heaven by Phil Wickham on Apple Music". Apple Music. United States. June 25, 2021. Retrieved June 30, 2021.

External links[]

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