NEW MUSIC
NOW HEAR THIS | Gerod Bass
JOSH BALDWIN
Pre-Release : Where the Glory Is Bluesy guitars and a distinct southern drawl are the foundation of “ Narrow Road ” which is humble offering about the difficulties we often face on the narrow road that Christ calls us to . Baldwin ’ s distinct baritone reminds the listener that “ the journey might be lonely , but I ’ ll never be alone ”.
REND COLLECTIVE Whosoever
1 . I See the Light 2 . Narrow Road 3 . There Is Freedom
Bethel Music ’ s Josh Baldwin has been gifting the church with his uplifting songs of praise wrapped in southern Americana since 2008 and is one of the fastest risings stars in the CCM world . His latest EP , I See the Light is a preview of a new studio album that is due out later this year .
The thematic center of the little three song EP explores the trials we face as we walk this road of life and how the love of God overcomes every obstacle and that we are never alone along the journey . All three songs speak powerfully to this idea and all offer hope as we travel the mountains and valleys during our time on earth .
“ I See the Light “ kicks off the EP and is a midtempo pop rocker about the wakening of a lost soul and the change that Christ brings through his death and resurrection . Here , Baldwin sings a deep biblical truth about how Jesus calls us to die to our old selves and to be reborn as a new person in Christ .
“ There Is Freedom ” wraps up the EP with a hope fueled song of celebration based on 1 Corinthians 3:17 . We again hear about a nameless traveler who is walking in the valley yet realizes that there is nothing that can separate them from a loving God . The bridge is a message of surrender to God ’ s will to lead where He wants because of His faithfulness through every generation . The slow grinding drums and acoustic strums give a musical vision of a person walking along a road which I thought was very creative and helped bring the song to life .
I have always been a fan of Josh Baldwin ’ s music and this EP for the most part was what I expected . I think where Josh Baldwin shines is when he really digs in deep to his southern rock roots with lots of slide guitars , fiddles and violins … where these songs tended to be more popish than rock , so that was a little disappointing . All three tracks are well written and performed however and have me looking forward to the release of his upcoming album .
1 . Whosoever 2 . Let It Roll 3 . Hallelujah Anyway 4 . Plans 5 . Boast In The Cross 6 . True In The Light 7 . Beloved 8 . Gratefulness 9 . As For Me 10 . We Need The Love Of God
It ’ s no secret that Rend Collective knows how to bring the joy and energy to the forefront of any worship experience . Their love of God and heart for the Gospel have been coming through loud and clear for more than a decade . Whosoever is the newest collection of songs from the Irish rockers complete with foot stomps , hand claps and raucous shouts of praise that brings plenty of joyous exuberance as we head into the fall season .
The opening track is a celebratory invitation for all to receive the love of Jesus in classic Rend Collective fashion with pounding drums , fast strumming guitars and soaring vocals as lead singer , Chris Lewellyn proclaims ; “ Whosoever needs a shelter , needs a savior , come in closer .