Today, Hillsong UNITED released their latest album, Wonder. One of the most influential artists in the history of contemporary Christian music, UNITED took fans by surprise when their album was announced a few weeks ago. The album does what Hillsong is known for; creating worship music that is not only transformational, but contemplative of those seeking deeper spiritual truths embedded in songs.
The title track is laced with a hope that springs eternal and underscores the ability to stay in the light in the midst of all that goes on: “I see the world in light, I see the world in wonder.” Taya Smith does an excellent job on “Shadow Step” as she reminds the listener that God is always there, although we may sometimes feel otherwise.
“Future Marches In” is also a track that seeks to discourage fear and promote faith about what may lay ahead:”Look back no further than the Saviour’s cross, Look to the future like the grave is lost, There’s a promise returning all the stolen years, There’s nothing left to fear.”
The guitar intro on “So Will I (100 Billion X) leads the way into a beautiful emotive discourse of the expansivenessof God: “And as you speak a hundred billion galaxies are born / In the vapor of your breath the planets form.” Other standouts include “Greatest of These,” with Taya on lead vocals, “Splinters and Stones” and the last track, Water Into Wine.”
Wonder is a rich tapestry of with smooth sounds and delightful harmonies. No stone is left unturned in communicating a message that is both uplifting and musically sound in it’s expression. Although Wonder is another Hillsong UNITED album that should make the rounds of Sunday worship, its ability to touch on those things that matter to believers as they do regular life with its ups and downs, twists and turns, will make the tracks a seminal part of everyday listening.
