Paul Baloche: Glorious

Mike Mahoney — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:45:03 +0000

Purchase Paul Baloche: Glorious –
Artist official site

SYNOPSIS
JOEL: Paul Baloche is to me a cornerstone in what worship music is today. I am pretty sure every person who writes worship music in the back of their heads wishes they could be Paul when they grow up. Everybody has heard his music even if they did not know it. You may hear a top hit on radio by an artist and not realize that Paul co-wrote that song. He is an inspiration to me as a worshiper and great man of God. I have been a huge fan of his work since the dawn of time, especially in concert. I think on A Greater Song Paul raised the bar for himself. The songwriting and production was amazing. On this CD however the songwriting was of course there but everything else seemed to be lacking. I don’t think it was his fault at all though because these are solid songs. I do however think there is something lacking on this CD that isnt when he is live. Excitement. With that said it is still a great CD.
CONNER: Part of my own ignorant perception has caused me to stay far away from Paul Baloche. I then began hearing more of his songs being played and talked about at churches from his A Greater Song CD and I started using them one by one and I should have just bought the whole stinkin’ album because it would have been far cheaper! It’s no secret that I’m an avid Crowder, United, make it sound quirky and different, kind of guy when it comes to my musical preferences but it’s actually refreshing to hear a CD like Paul Baloche’s Glorious that is just singable and solid and could so easily introduced into congregation. While new, it sounds familiar and yet not lame and dated.
MIKE: If there was such a thing as the “Worship Leaders Building,” the penthouse would probably be occupied by a guy named Paul Baloche. Over the years, Paul has given us countless worship classics like “Open the Eyes of My Heart,” Your Name,” and one of my personal favorites, “Praise Adonai.” He’s toured endlessly, spoken at countless conferences, all while holding down a day job as a Worship Pastor in his local congregation in Texas. This guy gets worship.Glorious is an extension of that understanding. Case in point: the record was recorded live. To me, Paul always falls a bit flat in studio recordings, but with the addition of the audience, Glorious feels like a real worship setting. I just wish the songs were better. Not that they’re bad – far from it. But there’s no real “wow” song in here. There’s 11 good solid worship songs, but nothing that’s a real “I gotta have it.” tune.Theologically, the album is right on track, pointing consistantly to Jesus. I liked the title track, and “Almighty,” both of which were co-written by Brenton Brown.
ALASTAIR: I don’t know Paul Baloche personally, but he just has this aura of being a ‘dead on’ type of guy. I love his heart for worship, how he shares resources and trains other leaders through his website and various conferences. I was expecting great stuff from Glorious, but I think my expectations may have been a little high.Paul has delivered a lot of solid worship songs over the years, and Glorious does indeed bring another collection of solid songs to the table. However, apart from maybe the title track, nothing on here is on a par with songs like “Hosanna”, and “Our God Saves” or even older classics like “Above All”. There are a couple of songs on here that have recently been recorded by different artists, so you will probably be familiar with them. “Today Is The Day”, previously recorded by Lincoln Brewster is on here. I like Lincoln’s version better. “A New Hallelujah” is on here also. I never thought I’d say it, but I kind of miss Michael W. Smith’s little “Yeah!” after the first verse. One thing is bugging me – the first few bars of “You Have Saved Us” reminds me of another song and I can’t work it out. Does anyone know?

BOTTOM LINE
JOEL: Amazing songs and great writing sadly crushed by produciton that waters it down and makes Paul’s vocals very weak. I may however be the rare one to say that Today is the Day and New Hallelujah are both better than brewster and MWS versions. The songs on this CD are well worth the purchase. Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
CONNER: This is a stable, solid collection of songs that won’t jump out and slap you in the face but neither will they put you to sleep. What an attitude of worship. The pitfalls of this CD are Today is the Day and a New Hallelujah. Already having those songs in my head by Lincoln Brewster and Michael W. they just fall completely on their face for me here. Otherwise, wonderful CD for any worship leader looking to pick up some new songs or if you need a new collection of worship songs to sing along to during your morning commute. Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
MIKE: Good, solid worship recording. If you like Brenton Brown, Michael W. Smith, Matt Redman-kind of worship songs, this record is for you. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
ALASTAIR: A solid album, perhaps lacking a little excitement. Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

MUST HAVE SONGS

JOEL:

You Have Saved Us
Glorious
Today is the Day
Just to Be with You
Almighty

CONNER:

You Have Saved Us
Just to Be with You
Almighty

MIKE:

Almighty
Glorious
Just to Be WithYou
Wonderful God

ALASTAIR:

Glorious
Just To Be With You
Today Is The Day
Almighty

SONGS FOR CHURCH

JOEL: All songs fit…but there are a few I would pick over the rest:

Glorious
Today is the Day
Just to Be with You
Almighty
To the Cross

CONNER: This is a worship CD obviously written to be sung by people so go for it. I’d start with:

Glorious
Just to Be With You
To the Cross

MIKE:
This is a worship album, with songs written by worship leaders, so just about everything fits. For me, the stand-outs in this area are:

Just to Be With You
Almighty
Wonderful God

ALASTAIR:
All the songs are suitable for church. If I had to pick one, the first song I would try is… dang… if I’m being honest I wouldn’t use any of these right now. I’m thinking that after they have time to grow on me I’ll change my mind.

The Joint gives Paul Baloche: Glorious Overall Rating: 3.38 out of 5 stars

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Paul Baloche: Glorious

CD provided to Joint Review by Integrity Music