Hillsong United – ‘Zion’

‘Zion’ is a hotly anticipated release, having pre-sold greatly on iTunes. Let’s face it, Hillsong is a force to be reckoned with in the world of Christian music today, whether you like it or not. Despite this being United’s 13th release, this is only their 3rd studio record (their other 10 being live). But how does it stand up to their previous efforts? Quite simply, it far surpasses all that came before.

Being on the other side of Hillsong’s popularity generally speaking (I’ve previously stated I’m not into the so-called ‘praise and worship’ genre of music) I was not really expecting much that I would be able to latch onto. The last time I’d given United a serious listen was a few years back. What a long way they have come since then.

The opening track, ‘Relentless’, opens with a swell of keyboards, followed by a stadium drum break and then it’s all in: A pumping mosh pit of electro pop rock (taking cues from Planetshakers perhaps?). The sound is stadium. It is meticulously created to be played in large venues to a large number of people, to focus upon the Creator.

Gone are the pop for the sake of pop sounds, replaced instead by contemplative praise. United has never been as accessible as Hillsong Live, and ‘Zion’ pushes the boundaries further. From ‘Up in Arms’ onwards, things become a little mellower, a little more reflective, but just as massive.

The past accusations of ‘Theology Lite’ are less applicable here. ‘Zion’ is one of the most theocentric I’ve seen from Hillsong. By and large, the lyrical themes are focused upon the grace of God. ‘Scandal Of Grace’ speaks explicitly of the subsitutionary nature of the atonement, ‘Love Is War’ relates the spiritual battle faced by Christians, yet vows to fight for Jesus. ‘One Million Suns’ stands as a fantastic doxology.

I was particularly impressed by the cutting edge keyboard sounds, while maintaining more traditional occasional nods to past synthesisers and even organs. The sounds really suit the lyrics and moods beautifully. Arguably the most popular sounds of the day, indy rock and stadium dance pop, feature as flavours to an entirely unique musical tapestry.

Arrangements are ingeniously layered and masterfully performed. This is where ‘Zion’ is at its most bold: Prospective worship leaders around the world are going to be listening to this and wondering how they are going to recreate this material in their services. Actually, the bonus DVD hints that Joel Houston is wondering how they themselves are! It’s so modern, so cutting edge that I feel this will become a benchmark that worship teams will be chasing for years. A true studio creation.

‘Zion’ is the sound of a band coming into their own. A bold step forward into unexplored territory that comes through as powerful yet contemplative, unique yet familiar. United truly stands on its own legs rather than clutching at the tails of its big brother.

However…

The song writing itself is still bound up in the same four chords structures and basic melody lines that are almost patronisingly simple. They’ve really upped the ante lyrically, the arrangements and performances are the best I’ve heard from United so far. You’ve got to remember that Hillsong in all its musical forms writes music that can be sung congregationally, and sung by any Christian church around the world. I really don’t think this is an excuse, as bands around the world produce anthems that have brilliant song writing behind them.

I look forward to seeing this final hurdle overcome, to hear genuinely amazing songs underneath all the dazzling musicianship and soundscapes.

Bobby Poulton is the worship leader at Sola Church, Sydney. He works as a professional bass player and producer.