Review

"Praise is rising, eyes are turning to You
Hope is stirring, hearts are yearning for You
'Cause when we see you we find strength to face the day
In your presence all our fears are washed away
Hosanna...."

So begins "A Greater Song", Paul Baloche's latest recorded tribute to Jesus.

One of the things that makes this album unique is Paul's collaboration with some of today's premier writers of worship music: Brenton Brown, Matt Redman, Glenn Packiam, Graham Kendrick, Sara Groves and Don Moen. One of the outcomes of this collaboration is great lyrics and a variety of musical styles.

I really liked the high energy feel of "Because of Your Love" which is really singable for a congregation. Even though it's got a great driving beat, it still carries a nice intimate feel to it because the lyrics are directed straight to God. That is often a hard combination to pull off, high energy and intimacy, but Baloche and Brown certainly pulled it off with this one.

I was really caught up in "Your Name" (Baloche/Packiam). The piano/cello intro immediately "baits" you... then the lyrics "set the hook."

"While morning dawns and evening fades
You inspire songs of praise
That rise from earth to touch Your heart
And glorify Your name"

Kathryn Scott, the Vineyard writer who penned the ever popular "Hungry", provides a really nice female lead on verse two which turns into a great harmony vocal for the next chorus. It really adds to the song. The lyrics are so good on this song, I am tempted to reproduce them here for you (which would make this review too long to print). Instead, just get the album. You won't be sorry you did.

What a pleasure and privilege to have the contributions of Graham Kendrick and Don Moen on this project. Thanks, Don, for including C&W fans with the country flare on "Thank You Lord" (...is that a little dobro I hear in there? ... and I swear it sounds like Mac Powell chiming in there at one point). These men are real pioneers in the contemporary music field. It's great to see them honored by including them on this album with some of the younger worshippers of this generation.

I could go on, but I'll finish by saying: Much Thanks, Paul, for taking the time and making the effort to spend a creative time of writing with these fellow worshippers. The worshipping church is enriched as a result of it.

Review by Danny Mullins