Customer Reviews

Glorious

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4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
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My first lengthy conversation with Paul Baloche took place about 5 or 6 years ago. Early on the conversation turned to theology. Paul assured me that his theology was "Jesus," and he didn't think it needed to be more complicated than that.

I'm happy to report Paul's views have changed.

Paul's new album, Glorious, is filled with intentional, gospel-centered theology that's expressed in tunes that are both singable and memorable. Yes, you can find albums that are denser theologically and more cutting edge musically. But when it comes to writing accessible songs that communicate biblical truths clearly and sincerely, few do it as well as Paul Baloche. His past two albums (A Greater Song, Our God Saves) were evidence that Paul's goal is to serve local churches with songs that enable the "word of Christ" to dwell in us richly (Col. 3:16). Glorious continues in that direction.

Musically the album hovers around the standard guitar-driven modern worship area, but without the overwhelming "wall of sound" that can get old so quickly. It has a live congregation feel, with applause in between the songs and a brief time of spontaneous singing at the end of How You Love Us. The live sound accents the fact that these songs were intended to be sung and not merely listened to.

Here are my comments on what I think are the strongest songs.

Glorious - A mid-tempo song that celebrates the glory of the risen Savior. The melody leaves plenty of space to contemplate the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Love the chorus. Two of my favorite lines: "See the resurrected ruler of my heart," and, "The hope of his returning fills the universe."

You Have Saved Us - A celebratory song that would have been a great addition to Sovereign Grace's Sons & Daughters album. Oh well. "You have shown us love and mercy, we are strangers no more." The second verse begins with a plea that God would "turn our hearts from earthly idols." I appreciate the reminder that God saves us to make us holy.

Just To Be With You - A moving song of dedication. "I'm face to the ground, forsaking my pride, leaving my will, my burdens behind, All I want, all I need, is just to be with You." And lest we think this is all about our commitment and resolve, the bridge reminds us, "You made a way for me, oh Savior." Another great chorus.

How Great is the Love - Songs that focus on God's love for us can easily become man-centered if we're never told what the purpose of that love is or how it has ultimately been expressed. This song does both. "We were created for Your pleasure, for Your presence, for the glory of Your name" puts the focus on God. The chorus joyfully declares, "The weight of the cross, the curse of our shame, you carried it all and rose from the grave." Great song.

We Will Hold On - This song is primarily a commitment to hold on to the love of the Savior even when we're "tested by the fire, persecuted, and reviled." But rather than think it's all about our efforts, we're reminded that "in our weakness" it's Jesus who will "make us strong."

Almighty - One of my favorite songs on the album. The melody's a little challenging, but the lyrics focus on the return of Christ. "You will judge the nations, You'll reward Your servants, both the great and small." We need more songs that remind us that there really will be a judgment day when all injustices will be made right.

Bottom line, Glorious contains songs of faith, hope, commitment, trust, and praise that will encourage your church, be a joy to listen to, and stir up a love for the risen Savior who came to purchase our forgiveness and rescue us from our sins.

Paul Baloche is one of the most acclaimed worship artists and songwriters of our time. Winner of two Dove Awards, he has penned radio hits such as "Because of Your Love", "Hosanna (Praise Is Rising)," "All The Earth Will Sing Your Praises" and "Our God Saves" and he has written top-ranking CCLI songs and modern-day classics including "Above All", "Open the Eyes of My Heart", "Offering" and "Your Name." Integrity Music is honored to present Glorious, an all-new collection of songs that reflect his heart, and his passion for the Church.

"'Glorious' is about the adventure of being led by a living, active God," Paul says. "It's about looking beyond the cross, to look behind the mystery, to see the risen Savior. For us to live in the new covenant idea that Jesus Christ is alive in us. Instead of only looking back 2,000 years, we see the risen Christ now. Learning to be led by His Spirit, guided by His Spirit, and to discern the language of His Spirit." Paul recalls, "My pastor told me that `Glorious' feels like an answer to `Open the Eyes of My Heart.' That original cry of my own heart. `Glorious' paints a picture of seeing Jesus for who He is, as the risen Christ and the living God."

The album's first single, "Just To Be With You," offers a different, though no less profound, view of our God and our reliance on Him. "'Just To Be With You' is simply about intimacy with God," Paul says. "With all of the stuff in this world that overwhelms us, no matter what happens, `all I want is to be with You' as I'm walking through this life."

I really like how the songs are recorded live and have audience participation, which is how these songs are meant to be experienced, as corporate worship with other believers. Paul's songwriting ability is really displayed in two familiar songs on the album, "Today Is The Day", also recorded by Lincoln Brewster and "A New Hallelujah", also recorded by Michael W. Smith. If you like the original versions of those songs, you'll also enjoy Paul's versions. Another highlight for me is at the end of the song "To The Cross", where Paul prays along with his congregation and lifts up his voice in praise and worship to our great God.

If you've liked past hit songs by Paul Baloche including "Open The Eyes Of My Heart", "Offering" and "Your Name", then you'll really enjoy Glorious. For me, the standout songs are "Glorious", "You Have Saved Us", "Just To Be With You", "Today Is The Day" and "A New Hallelujah". I'm looking forward to singing more new songs by Paul Baloche with fellow believers. If you like Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin and Lincoln Brewster, you need to add Glorious to your worship music collection.

I've been a fan of Paul Baloche for some time, and have felt that his last two albums raised the bar for the kind of thoughtful, interesting and congregation-friendly songs that we could expect from him. "Glorious," in my opinion, even surpasses those, and really hits the mark: the album is filled with one great worship song after another. Definitely the best worship cd of the year, and maybe of the past five years.

Praise and worship and Paul Baloche have become synonymous to one another. He has become one of the premiere Christian writers and performers of today's top Christian praise and worship CDs. Most known for writing some of the greatest and most memorable praise songs such as "Above All", "Open The Eyes of My Heart" and "All the Earth Will Sing Your Praises". Baloche has returned with 11 new songs performed live at his "home church" Community Christian Fellowship in Lyndale, TX for his latest CD "Glorious".

"Glorious" opens with the title track which was co-written with Benton Brown and is a song intended to "point people beyond the cross, pushing them to look further into the mystery of the gospel." My personal favorite is "Wonderful God" that Paul wrote with his wife Rita which is a straight forward praise song that reminds the listener of how wonderful God is. The CD closes with the Dove Award winning song "A New Hallalujah" and is guaranteed to become a Sunday morning favorite for praise and worship leaders around the globe.

There is nothing ground breaking about "Glorious" (which is not a slam or anything) as it fits nicely into the Paul Baloche discography. His latest CD will continue to push him to the forefront of modern praise and worship leaders and certainly be a great soundtrack to draw one into the presence of God. Basically if you are a fan of Paul Baloche or even a lover of modern praise and worship then I would HIGHLY recommend "Glorious".

[...]

I bought this CD with the expectation that Paul's music will not disappoint me, and he did not. This album contains great songs and they are very good to be sang at church. It help brings God's presence into us. Ben Gowell's great accompanying Paul Baloche.

I recently heard several songs on Pandora by Paul Baloche. I was previously not familiar with Paul Baloche or his music, but I found that I really liked his music and his heart! When I checked to see what album these songs were on, it was "Glorious" every time. When I see that there are 3 or more songs that I really like on the same album, I purchase it for my collection. I was not disappointed with "Glorious"; it's fabulous!

A very good CD if you want to just fall in love with Jesus again, or if you need to be strengthened.
Deep and simple.

Not only are most of the songs really good, doctrinally pure, and just good listenin tunes, they're also great for a corporate worship setting. Paul also provides chord sheets and even some how-to video's on his website, just to show his heart for providing corporate worship songs. The original keys on the album are perfect to sing in for men and women (not too high like a lot of other popular Christian artists). Just great, great, stuff. Don't just download a couple of single songs, even though there are some REALLY good individual songs... Just get the entire album. Trust me. You won't be sorry.

My wife & i are enjoying the music a lot.We are happy we got it from you so now i am writing a review on it.I'm just letting you know how much we are enouying it.VERY COOL MUSIC.
Thank You
Carolyn & Todd

Paul Baloche as a voice that is wonderful to sign along with. His songs are very suitable for both female and male voices.
Easy to use in Church as the congregation will find them easy to pick up. I believe you will love this album enough to want to purchase everything elase he has produced.