Hillsong Worship has become a global phenomenon, inspiring millions with their heartfelt lyrics, powerful melodies, and deep expressions of faith. For decades, this Australian-born worship collective has been at the forefront of modern Christian music, creating songs that resonate in churches and hearts around the world. With a unique ability to blend contemporary sounds with timeless biblical truths, Hillsong Worship has gifted us with a catalog of anthems that transcend generations and cultures.
In this article, we’re diving into the top 10 most popular Hillsong Worship songs of all time — the ones that have touched lives, brought people closer to God, and become staples in worship services everywhere. These songs are more than just music; they’re moments of surrender, declarations of hope, and celebrations of God’s love.
From the soul-stirring “What A Beautiful Name” to the uplifting “Mighty to Save,” each track on this list carries a story of transformation and praise. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering Hillsong Worship for the first time, get ready to experience the songs that have united voices across the globe in worship. Let’s count down the melodies that have defined a movement and continue to echo in hearts everywhere!
1. What a Beautiful Name (2016)
Released in 2016, What a Beautiful Name quickly became one of Hillsong Worship’s most beloved anthems, resonating with worshippers around the world. Written by Brooke Ligertwood and Ben Fielding, this Grammy-winning song is a powerful declaration of Jesus’ divine nature, His unmatched beauty, and the depth of His love for humanity.
The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of Christ’s supremacy, beginning with a gentle and reflective verse: “You were the Word at the beginning, one with God the Lord Most High.” These words establish Jesus’ eternal nature, emphasizing that He has always been with the Father. As the song progresses, it moves from quiet reverence to a soaring declaration of power: “Death could not hold You, the veil tore before You.” This triumphant moment captures the victory of Christ’s resurrection, a truth that has transformed countless lives.
Musically, What a Beautiful Name builds from a soft, intimate introduction to a grand and powerful crescendo, mirroring the growing intensity of worship. The song’s structure allows for a deeply personal experience while also inviting collective praise in church settings. Its universal themes of salvation, grace, and the beauty of God’s name make it a song that continues to impact believers, drawing them into a deeper sense of awe and worship.
2. Who You Say I Am (2018)
Who You Say I Am is a powerful anthem of identity and freedom in Christ, released in 2018 as part of Hillsong Worship’s There Is More album. Written by Reuben Morgan and Ben Fielding, this song offers a deeply personal yet universally relatable message about belonging, redemption, and the unshakable promises of God.
From the opening lines, “Who am I that the highest King would welcome me?” the song sets the tone for a journey of discovery, reminding believers of their worth and place in God’s family. The chorus is a bold proclamation of truth: “I’m a child of God, yes, I am.” These words serve as a reminder that our identity is not based on circumstances, failures, or human opinions, but on God’s unchanging declaration of who we are in Him.
One of the most impactful moments in the song comes in the bridge: “I am chosen, not forsaken, I am who You say I am.” This declaration resonates deeply, affirming that every believer is handpicked and loved by God. With an anthemic melody and uplifting instrumentation, Who You Say I Am has become a staple in worship services, empowering listeners to stand firm in the truth of God’s word and embrace their identity as His children.
3. Mighty to Save (2006)
A timeless anthem of hope and redemption, Mighty to Save is one of Hillsong Worship’s most enduring songs. Written by Reuben Morgan and Ben Fielding and released in 2006, this song has united believers across the globe in worship, declaring the limitless power of God to save and transform lives.
The song opens with a humble cry for grace: “Everyone needs compassion, a love that’s never failing.” This opening line sets the stage for a song that speaks to the deepest needs of the human heart—the need for forgiveness, hope, and salvation. The chorus is one of the most recognizable in modern worship: “Savior, He can move the mountains, my God is mighty to save.” These words are a bold proclamation of faith, reminding believers that no situation is too difficult for God to redeem.
What makes Mighty to Save so impactful is its combination of heartfelt lyrics and an uplifting, singable melody. The bridge, “Shine your light and let the whole world see,” turns the song into a call to action, encouraging worshippers to share the love and power of Christ with the world. Over the years, this song has become a cornerstone in contemporary worship, inspiring countless people to trust in God’s unfailing strength.
4. Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) (2013)
Released in 2013 as part of Hillsong United’s Zion album, Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) became a global worship phenomenon, capturing the hearts of millions with its message of trust and surrender. Sung by Taya Smith, the song is a deeply personal reflection on stepping out in faith, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
From the very first verse, “You call me out upon the waters, the great unknown where feet may fail,” the song immediately draws listeners into the biblical imagery of Peter walking on water. This powerful metaphor resonates deeply with believers facing challenges that require complete dependence on God. The chorus, “And I will call upon Your name, and keep my eyes above the waves,” is a reminder that even in life’s storms, we are sustained by God’s presence.
Musically, the song’s atmospheric arrangement builds slowly, mirroring the emotional and spiritual depth of its lyrics. The bridge—“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders”—is one of the most memorable and moving moments in contemporary worship music. It serves as both a personal prayer and a corporate declaration of faith, calling believers to step beyond their comfort zones and trust God fully. With its haunting melody and deeply introspective lyrics, Oceans remains one of the most powerful worship songs of the modern era.
4. Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) (2013)
Released in 2013 as part of Hillsong United’s Zion album, Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) became a global worship phenomenon, capturing the hearts of millions with its message of trust and surrender. Sung by Taya Smith, the song is a deeply personal reflection on stepping out in faith, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
From the very first verse, “You call me out upon the waters, the great unknown where feet may fail,” the song immediately draws listeners into the biblical imagery of Peter walking on water. This powerful metaphor resonates deeply with believers facing challenges that require complete dependence on God. The chorus, “And I will call upon Your name, and keep my eyes above the waves,” is a reminder that even in life’s storms, we are sustained by God’s presence.
Musically, the song’s atmospheric arrangement builds slowly, mirroring the emotional and spiritual depth of its lyrics. The bridge—“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders”—is one of the most memorable and moving moments in contemporary worship music. It serves as both a personal prayer and a corporate declaration of faith, calling believers to step beyond their comfort zones and trust God fully. With its haunting melody and deeply introspective lyrics, Oceans remains one of the most powerful worship songs of the modern era.
5. Hosanna (2007)
Hosanna is a passionate cry for revival and spiritual awakening, written by Brooke Ligertwood and released in 2007 as part of Hillsong United’s All of the Above album. This song carries a sense of urgency, calling believers to worship with expectant hearts as they long for God’s presence to move.
The song’s verses are introspective and prayerful: “I see the King of Glory coming on the clouds with fire.” These words reflect the anticipation of Christ’s return and the transformative power of His presence. The chorus, with its simple yet profound repetition of “Hosanna in the highest,” serves as a powerful moment of surrender and adoration, lifting hearts toward heaven.
One of the most impactful parts of the song is the bridge: “Heal my heart and make it clean, open up my eyes to the things unseen.” This heartfelt plea for renewal and transformation is what makes Hosanna so compelling—it’s not just a song of praise but a deeply personal prayer for God’s refining work. The song’s progression, from soft reflection to anthemic worship, makes it a staple in church services, often used in moments of deep spiritual response. Hosanna continues to be a moving anthem that inspires both personal and corporate revival.
6. Shout to the Lord (1994)
Few worship songs have had as profound an impact as Shout to the Lord, a groundbreaking anthem written by Darlene Zschech in 1994. This song not only propelled Hillsong Worship to international recognition but also became a global standard in contemporary Christian music.
The song opens with an intimate declaration: “My Jesus, my Savior, Lord, there is none like You.” These words set the tone for a deeply personal yet universally powerful worship experience. As the song builds, the chorus erupts into an exuberant proclamation of God’s majesty: “Shout to the Lord, all the earth, let us sing!” This invitation to all creation to worship is what gives the song its timeless appeal.
Musically, Shout to the Lord features soaring melodies and a dynamic progression that allows for both quiet reverence and explosive praise. The song’s message of God’s faithfulness, power, and love has made it a staple in church services for decades. It has been performed by countless worship teams, choirs, and even secular artists, cementing its place as one of the most influential worship songs of all time. Decades after its release, Shout to the Lord remains a powerful and beloved declaration of faith.
7. Cornerstone (2012)
Released in 2012 as part of Hillsong Worship’s Cornerstone album, this song is a powerful modern adaptation of the classic hymn The Solid Rock. Written by Reuben Morgan, Jonas Myrin, and Eric Liljero, Cornerstone reaffirms the unshakable foundation that believers have in Jesus Christ, especially during times of uncertainty.
The opening verse sets the tone with its quiet yet profound declaration: “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” This timeless truth is carried forward into the chorus, where the lyrics proclaim, “Christ alone, Cornerstone, weak made strong in the Savior’s love.” These words serve as a reminder that no matter how unstable life may feel, our faith remains firm when built on Jesus.
Musically, Cornerstone starts with a contemplative arrangement that gradually swells into a triumphant anthem. The orchestration, marked by soaring guitars, passionate vocals, and a swelling choir, creates a sense of reverence and awe. The song’s bridge, which declares, “When He shall come with trumpet sound, oh may I then in Him be found,” reinforces its eternal perspective, pointing worshippers toward the ultimate hope of Christ’s return.
Since its release, Cornerstone has become a go-to worship song for churches worldwide. Its blend of traditional hymnody and contemporary worship elements makes it a song that bridges generations, offering a powerful message of faith and steadfastness in Christ.
8. This I Believe (The Creed) (2014)
Written by Ben Fielding and Matt Crocker, This I Believe (The Creed) was released in 2014 as part of Hillsong Worship’s No Other Name album. The song is a musical adaptation of the Apostles’ Creed, one of the oldest and most foundational statements of Christian faith. By setting these historic truths to a powerful melody, This I Believe unites worshippers across denominations and generations in a shared declaration of belief.
The lyrics outline core Christian doctrines, beginning with “Our Father everlasting, the all-creating One, God Almighty.” Each verse continues to affirm fundamental tenets of the faith, including Christ’s divinity, His crucifixion and resurrection, the Holy Spirit, and the Church. The chorus—“I believe in God our Father, I believe in Christ the Son, I believe in the Holy Spirit, our God is three in one”—is a bold proclamation that reinforces Christian unity and conviction.
Musically, the song is both reverent and anthemic. It starts with a contemplative, almost prayerful tone, but builds into a stirring declaration of faith. The instrumentation is rich, featuring soaring strings, layered harmonies, and dynamic crescendos that give the song a majestic feel.
This I Believe has been widely embraced by churches around the world. Its emphasis on doctrinal truth makes it a powerful tool for worship, reminding believers of the unshakable foundation of their faith.
9. King of Kings (2019)
One of Hillsong Worship’s most powerful recent releases, King of Kings debuted in 2019 as part of the Awake album. Written by Brooke Ligertwood, Jason Ingram, and Scott Ligertwood, this song is a sweeping narrative that tells the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, making it a deeply theological and worshipful experience.
The song begins with a solemn yet hopeful tone, setting the scene for the coming of Christ: “In the darkness we were waiting, without hope, without light.” As the verses progress, they unfold the story of Jesus’ mission on earth, from His birth to the establishment of the Church. The lyrics build toward a triumphant climax in the chorus: “Praise the Father, praise the Son, praise the Spirit, three in one,” a powerful expression of Trinitarian worship.
The musical arrangement of King of Kings is dynamic, moving seamlessly from gentle reverence to soaring praise. The song’s structure, which mirrors the narrative arc of Christ’s redemptive work, allows worshippers to journey through the gospel message in a deeply engaging way. The bridge—“And the Church of Christ was born, then the Spirit lit the flame”—celebrates the continuation of God’s work through His people.
With its rich theological depth and cinematic musical arrangement, King of Kings has quickly become a favorite in modern worship. Its ability to blend worship with storytelling makes it a song that both teaches and inspires, drawing believers into a deeper appreciation of Christ’s victory.
10. Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace) (2014)
Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace) is a moving and deeply personal reimagining of the classic hymn Amazing Grace. Written by Joel Houston and Jonas Myrin, the song was released in 2014 as part of Hillsong Worship’s No Other Name album. It takes the familiar themes of grace and redemption and expands them into a worshipful expression of God’s ability to restore and transform broken lives.
The song begins with a quiet, reflective atmosphere: “All these pieces, broken and scattered, in mercy gathered, mended and whole.” This opening line immediately captures the heart of the song’s message—God’s power to take what is broken and make it whole again. The chorus, which incorporates the traditional Amazing Grace melody and lyrics, brings a sense of familiarity and reverence: “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.”
As the song progresses, it builds in intensity, mirroring the journey from brokenness to restoration. The bridge—“I can see You now, I can see the love in Your eyes, laying Yourself down, raising up the broken to life”—is a climactic moment of surrender and renewal.
Musically, Broken Vessels is delicate yet powerful, with soaring instrumentals and passionate vocals that create an atmosphere of deep worship. The combination of old and new elements makes it a song that resonates with both traditional and contemporary worshippers. Since its release, it has been embraced by churches around the world as a song of healing and hope.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
