NOWHEARTHIS the songs will find a regular home in churches across the world . Some of the songs had similar arrangements and tended to run together , and that would be my only negative remark .
Tomlin has done a great job here of keeping the central theme of the album true to the title . We should never lose sight of the eternity that our God has prepared for us after our time on this Earth is done . Although we will encounter trouble , fear , doubt , and pain , we have been bought with a price and our future with Him is secure . This is a great album of songs for your church that put the focus back where it belongs , on what our God has done for us and the reward we have waiting for us in Heaven . Thank you Chris for helping refocus us on what is truly important .
PAUL BALOCHE Your Mercy
Paul Baloche became one of the pioneering leaders of the modern worship movement during the 1990 ’ s and is still writing and leading worship songs that connect people with the heart of God . He is well known for such worship classics as , “ Open The Eyes of My Heart ”, “ Hosanna ( Praise Is Rising )”, “ Glorious ”, and “ Our God Saves ”. Such a lengthy tenure with Integrity Music speaks volumes of Baloche ’ s ability to stay current and find fresh vocabulary and expressions of worship . His latest worship album , Your Mercy is a bit of a departure from previous worship releases . This collection features 12 new songs for the church done in a warm and inviting acoustic tone that showcases the idea that less is indeed more .
This is a very personal album and one that represents the changes in Baloche ’ s personal life as he and his wife Rita left their church in Texas after 26 years , sold most of their stuff , and moved to a small apartment in New York . This album show us a much more introspective and mellow Paul Baloche as he explores themes of mercy , humility , repentance , weakness , and peace that comes to us through the
Sacrifice of Christ .
Some of the standout cuts include the title track which casts the listener in the role of the prodigal who is constantly being sought out by the father who is full of mercy and runs out to meet us when we fail . This song is a beautiful explanation of how full God ’ s heart is for His people and how much He wants us to be in right relationship with Him .
“ Turn Your Eyes ” is a nifty little re-write of the well-loved hymn that pays homage to the original melody , but lyrically focuses more on the light of God and how we can be that light to the world . “ To The Cross I Come ” sounds most like the classic Baloche worship sound we all know and love with its driving rhythm and memorable hook laden chorus .
It ’ s no secret that I am a huge fan of Paul and his music . That being said , this was not my favorite Baloche album . I have become so accustomed to what his albums tend to bring that I think this one caught me a little off guard . This collection of songs , like pretty much most of what Paul has put out over the years , are nicely written and performed , but there just wasn ’ t those two or three big rocking anthems that we are used to . That being said , I think these songs are a window into the time of life that Paul and Rita are entering into . Paul ’ s music has been , and continues to be , a reflection of the journey that he is on , and I am thankful that he has invited us as listeners to join him on that journey for so many years . Thank you Paul for blessing us and reminding us of how big the heart of our God is for His people , and how simply He loves us .
GRACE CHAPEL WORSHIP So Loved
Grace Chapel Worship is the worship ministry hailing from Grace Chapel Church in Leiper ’ s Fork , Tennessee . Their 4th studio release , So Loved , is a fresh collection of 12 new songs for the church . The album , while mostly rock inspired , is slightly tempered with a warm southern groove and feel .
I was very impressed with the level of writing and producing , as well as the overall instrumental and vocal skill displayed by Worship Pastor Jonathan Allen and his team throughout this project . I felt like I was listening to a big-budget album , yet with the warmth and intimacy of a smaller church setting . Most of the songs are well written and authentically performed by the team , and I found myself wanting to be a part of a worship experience at Grace Chapel .
The Tomlin-esque “ Meet Us Here ” kicks off the album appropriately , as this toe tapper would be a great service opener for most churches . “ One True Love ” and “ Just The Thought ” are also in the same vein with driving guitars , etherial pads , and soaring choruses that define the current worship trend .
The album pretty much sits in this genre until the piano and soft female vocal take over in the melodic ballad , “ Christ Be All ”. This is a memorable song about how Christ is all things to all people , and I really loved the melody line here .
This leads into another intimate offering , “ Greater Still ”, which is sung by worship leader , Debi Selby . This song begins with bright acoustical guitar picking and slowly morphs into a robust declaration of victory over the grave that is infectious .
My favorite song on the album , and one my church will be doing soon is “ The Table ”. This is a well-written vertical song of worship about the Lord ’ s Supper . Grace Chapel did a phenomenal job on this song , capturing the idea that Christ offers His body and blood to reconcile us to our God through His sacrifice on the cross . This song is well written , both melodically and lyrically , and the arrangement is perfect .
So Loved is great album . There is nothing earth-shattering with regards to the style of music they play , as it pretty much fits in the sweet spot of current worship trends . Their music is honest , well thought out , well written , and easy to sing . They did a nice job of staying
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