Hillsong Worship — History and Songs

History and Sound

Hillsong Worship grew out of the music of Sunday services at Hillsong Church in Sydney.

Live albums helped songs by the local team enter the repertoires of churches beyond Australia. One early example was Darlene Zschech’s “Shout to the Lord.” Later, “What a Beautiful Name,” written by Brooke Ligertwood and Ben Fielding, won a Grammy. “I Surrender” shows another side of the same approach: the song begins as a quiet prayer and gradually develops into congregational singing.

Albums and Recordings

The later live albums are useful to compare with the early ones. “Mighty to Save” is built around a clear, easily singable chorus, while “What a Beautiful Name” allows more time for gradual development and the bridge. In “Who You Say I Am” from the album “There Is More,” the central idea returns in short phrases that work well for congregational singing. These recordings show why some songs work well both in a large concert arrangement and with a single instrument.