The Australian native lead vocalist, worship leader, and producer of Hillsong Music Australia's best-selling albums first stepped up on her own with her solo album, Kiss of Heaven. Now, Darlene Zschech has released her sophomore solo effort entitled Change Your World. As the writer of "Shout to the Lord," Zschech is already prominent among church-goers of the world. Vocally, Darlene Zschech's voice lights a fire in the souls of many. You haven't heard her true voice if you've only listened to Hillsongs. Zschech's voice is more loose, stunningly strong and focused on Change Your World.

Signed with INO Records, Zschech produced Change Your World at her very own studio called The Grove Studios. The album was co-produced by David Holmes and Andy Sorenson. Many of the songs were co-written with David Holmes, and the album features a new arrangement of Michael W Smith's "Angus Dei". Change Your World consists of twelve very smooth and diverse worship songs. "You Are Here," which at first resembles "Shout to the Lord" but is completely different, kicks off the album. With a Hallelujah chorus, the song is the epitome of a good worship song. Next on the album is the fast paced "Miracle," which at first, may catch a few listeners off guard with its diversity of instruments and melodies. But, the song has quickly become an album highlight. It is very unique and powerful in its own way, which is what is most admirable about Zschech's worship style; she puts a different face to worship music.

"Call Upon His Name" is a slower piano-ballad, and is followed by an upbeat pop-worship song entitled, "You Know My Name." The album ends with the slower "You are Holy," followed by an instrumentally appealing rendition of "Angus Dei," which again displays the brilliance of Darlene Zschech's vocals.

Change Your World is a worship album that fans of the genre must add to their collection. If you have a passion for worship in general, you will definitely enjoy Darlene Zschech's latest effort. If you don't like worship music, Change Your World just might change your mind about it. Whether or not it does, it remains an extraordinary album worthy of notice.

- Review date: 11/18/05, written by Jessica Vander Loop