As of May 21, Hillsong Worship’s single “Fresh Wind” has set a new record with more than 8.2 million streams globally and 942,000 street week streams. “Fresh Wind” has garnered the highest U.S. audio streaming debut for any song from Hillsong so far—and it is also part of a newly released medley.
“My favourite part of this recording is that the world gets to hear my church family (@hillsong) sing this, pray this, declare this over THE Church and the earth,” said Hillsong Worship’s David Ware, who co-leads the medley, “Fresh Wind / What A Beautiful Name,” with Hillsong United’s Taya Gaukrodger (née Smith).
Speaking about “Fresh Wind” specifically, Ware told the Christian Post that the single “was born out of an urgency to see Christ’s Church rebuilt, restored and rescued. I believe that there comes a time and place in every generation where there is a significantly great outpouring of the Holy Spirit. A move of God that marks a whole generation of believers and welcomes a new generation of searching non-believers home — one so great that it is as unavoidable as the sound of an explosive gust of wind.”
‘Fresh Wind’ Gets a Fresh Take
Hillsong Worship released “Fresh Wind” in January 2021. The song’s lyrics plead for repentance and for the Holy Spirit to move among believers.
Spirit sound, rushing wind
Fire of God fall within
Holy Ghost
Breathe on us, we pray
As we repent, turn from sin
Revival embers smouldering
Breath of God
Fan us into flame
We need a fresh wind
The fragrance of Heaven
Pour Your Spirit out
Pour Your Spirit out
For hearts that burn with holy fear
Purified in faith and deed
Refiner’s fire
Strengthen what remains
The new medley combines “Fresh Wind” with Hillsong Worship’s popular song, “What a Beautiful Name,” the latter of which begins:
You were the Word at the beginning
One with God the Lord Most High
Your hidden glory in creation
Now revealed in You our Christ
What a beautiful Name it is
What a beautiful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King
The live version of the new release shows the congregation at Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia, worshipping to the medley along with the band. Said Ware, “I pray [the medley] fills homes, cars, hospital rooms, nurseries and university dorms – that wherever this is heard – God would minister to people and that we would all experience a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit! We need it.”
Hillsong Church was founded in 1983 by Brian and Bobbie Houston. The church has been dealing with controversy recently as a number of high profile pastors have left their positions. Some, such as Jess and Reed Bogard, have stepped down from church leadership. Carl Lentz, who has arguably received the most publicity, was fired.
Brian Houston has also announced that Hillsong is investigating financial abuse allegations, and he recently said that while he is confident that “Hillsong is a good church,” he is “100% committed” to eliminating any unhealthiness in the church’s culture.
