A Beautiful Exchange is the nineteenth album in the live praise and worship series of contemporary worship by Hillsong Church.[4][5] It was recorded at the Sydney Entertainment Centre and Hillsong Church in Australia by Reuben Morgan, Darlene Zschech, Joel Houston and the Hillsong Worship Team. The album was released in the United States on 29 June 2010 in partnership with EMI.[4]
These worship songs explore themes including sacrifice and redemption ("Beautiful Exchange"), love ("Our God Is Love") and hope ("Forever Reign"), which is also the first radio single. Hillsong Live albums are led by worship leaders including Reuben Morgan, Joel Houston, Ben Fielding and Darlene Zschech. Other key songs include: "Open My Eyes" (sung by Reuben Morgan), "The One Who Saves" (sung by Ben Fielding) and "Greatness Of Our God" (sung by Darlene Zschech). Many of the songs were written by Reuben Morgan with other authors such as Jason Ingram, Stu Garrard, Ben Fielding and Darlene Zschech.
On 9 July 2010 the album debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard Christian Albums Chart and at No. 40 on the US Billboard 200 chart. During the initial week on the charts it remained in the top 3. And this was also the last official album to feature Brooke Fraser as a worship leader until her return to Hillsong Worship six years later (with the release of the band's 2016 live album "Let There Be Light")
"Documentary: A Beautiful Exchange – Behind the Screens"
Hillsong London
"The Answer" (Reuben Morgan and Braden Lang) Worship leader: Peter Wilson
"God Our Salvation" (Jay Cook and Dave Tymoszuk) Worship leader: Jay Cook
"For All You Are / You Are Good" (David Kennedy / Dave George) Worship leader: Ingrid Boe-Kennedy, Jay Cook / Juliet Adekambi
"All Things New" (Dave George and Tim Steer) Worship leader: Dave George
"Glorious One / To Bring You Glory" (Reuben Morgan and Jay Cook / Dave Tymoszuk) Worship leader: Jay Cook
Reception
Ryan Barbee of Jesus Freak Hideout said the highlight of the album is Brooke Fraser's "Like Incense/Sometimes By Step" and called it "one of the most intimate tracks Hillsong has put out to date". He also wrote: A Beautiful Exchange has some very powerful moments and some weak ones. However, we as listeners are outsiders looking in. You might not find everything you're looking for in [it] but you'll definitely find a heart of worship."[3] Kim Jones of About.com called the album "beautiful, warm and intimate" and concluded, "A Beautiful Exchange will suck you in and deliver you to the feet of your Savior - and your day will be all the better for it."[2]
Awards
The album was nominated for two Dove Awards: Praise & Worship Album of the Year and Long Form Music Video of the Year, at the 42nd GMA Dove Awards.[6]
