Reviewed by Matt McChlery

It still comes in glossy packaging. It still bears the Hillsong branding. But 'Yahweh' is different! Hillsong have re-worked popular and well loved songs that have come from the Sydney church over the last five years and have created a more simplified album than what we are used to from this musical powerhouse. The stripped down versions of the songs presented here sound suddenly a lot more accessible for local church worship teams to use more effectively. In fact the CD is enhanced and contains chord charts and lyric sheets that are just waiting to be printed out and sung. Ben Fielding is the Musical Director on this project and has skilfully chosen a good range of songs that flow together well on this live CD. The songs "Mighty To Save", "Saviour King" and "Stronger" will be familiar to the avid Hillsong follower and these more acoustic-orientated versions give them a fresh lift. There is also a new song, "Yahweh". A plethora of worship leaders are featured including Annie Garratt, Jad Gillies, Jill Mccloghry, Joel Houston and Reuben Morgan. Why not watch the DVD that is included in the limited edition of this release for the complete 'Yahweh' experience? It contains superb production, effective lighting and excellent graphics. 'Yahweh' is a change of direction for Hillsong and has certainly hit all the right notes for me. It is a testament to the old saying that less is definitely a whole lot more!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Hillsong Chapel is a newly created series of intimate and devotional arrangements of popular Hillsong songs led by the Hillsong worship team.

Recorded live in the Hillsong Chapel, Yahweh, the first installment in the series, contains organic and contemplative versions of top CCLI songs including Mighty To Save, Hosanna, From The Inside Out, and the title track Yahweh.

Comprised of 13 songs on the CD and 13 songs on the DVD, Hillsong Chapel’s Yahweh is perfect for smaller gatherings, personal devotions and will help resource churches wanting more intimate worship expressions of songs from Hillsong LIVE and Hillsong UNITED.