Review

There's something about live, corporate worship that captures the heart of a believer. The quiet, intimate time alone with the Father is certainly essential to the spiritual life of any disciple of Jesus, but when believers all come together in a bond of love and worship the Lord with one voice of solidarity, something special takes place that no one can ever duplicate, fabricate or replace. Paul Baloche's 'God Of Wonders' is bristling with this same sense of synergistic worship where everyone's voice is lifted up in unison to simply worship God.

When it comes to writing a great worship song, Baloche has the gift, and he uses it quite admirably. Only songwriters like Redman, Underwood and Doerksen can hold a candle to Baloche in the songwriting department and he easily shares their seemingly endless wealth of talent as song after song manages to astound, amaze and inspire all at the same time.

'Stir Up A Hunger', one of the best songs yet penned by Baloche, is performed here with great care and passion. 'The Way' is a lyrical gem, deftly and poetically expressing the wonders of God in a beautiful simplicity. 'Your Love Has Captured My Heart' is deceptively simple at first, but touching and passionate at the end.

Singable, memorable, simple, powerful and most of all worshipful-- each of Baloche's songs are all right on target here. Song after song declares the glory of God in humble adoration. Most of the songs here fall into the acoustic and vocal category, with the occasional lead guitar flourish or piano accent bleeding into the mix on occasion. Baloche doesn't attempt to rock anyone's socks off. He's simply caught here, on this recording, lifting up the name of Jesus for all he's worth.

Those who enjoy the live worship recordings from songwriters like Andy Park, Scott Underwood or Graham Kendrick will certainly want to pick up Paul Baloche's 'God Of Wonders'.

Review by Keith Giles