There is this fairly new song by the group Hillsong that I am just beginning to learn. It is called “What A Beautiful Name.” Just as the sunrise shines over the mountains, this happening little song is yet to be another staple added to the standard Christian repertoire. It is a song that is uniquely set to glorify Christ among all other names on the earth.
It opens with a beautiful pad layer on a D-5 chord (basically a D and an A sounding together). On that, the vocal starts off: “You were the word at the beginning…” It is like an angel chanting to the crowd of believers, reminding them of their savior. After a four to six bar verse, the chorus starts off shining with: “What a beautiful name it is…” The progression of the chorus is D, A, B minor, A, G—a very standard pop chord progression.
The bridges and instrumental parts are inspiring with the gradually falling scale scale wise motion beginning on the note A and falling to E and C sharp respectfully. The recurring lyrical theme of there being no other being beside God is sung in a very inspiring fashion. It is so inspiring that the writer decides to do the bridge one additional time with much more gravity. The whole thing culminates with the chorus replaying twice to bring it all back home. Add to this a tag at the end of the chorus and an ending resolution on a G major chord. Then the texture fades out.
All in all, it is a fabulous worship song to carry with congregations all around the world. It is to be a beacon of light to all who hear it. It is a worship song to blast into the world reminding it of the Lord's beauty and undying love and grace for His people.
