Paul Baloche Our God Saves Integrity Music Praise & Worship 09-18-2007

SCORE 90%

Well respected and prolific songwriter Paul Baloche shows that after almost two decades of meaningful music ministry, he can still pull a few surprises out of the ol’ guitar case. A collaborative project featuring many of the genre’s key contributors, Our God Saves was recorded live at Community Christian Fellowship in Lindale, Texas, where Paul has served as Worship Leader for 18 years. As if the 14 lustrous worship tracks and illustrious guest artists weren’t enough, the enhanced CD also features a guitar tutorial video and song stories.

Baloche opens the project to an immediate excitement with the buoyant title track, the live crowd’s energy crackling beneath glimmering guitars. Upbeat rocker “The Kingdom of God” follows, layered guitars underscoring the urgency of the lyrics. The disc’s steadfast diversity shows through on the melodic “Rock of Ages (You Will Stand),” its slight country bounce keeping things interesting. Baloche is joined on “Beyond Us (Only True God)” by the magnificent Kathryn Scott. Together the duo sends the worship up into the heavenlies in thick waves.

Brenton Brown joins Baloche on the soon-to-be-classic “Hallelujah to My King.” I liked “You Gave Your Life Away” just as much, and its quiet acoustic opening in particular. Baloche’s gentle vocals float over a quietly simmering organ and delicate strings, allowing the pure Biblical truths to shine alone before wife Rita and son David join him on the deeply melodic chorus. The rootsy pop of “Praise” gets the Texas crowd going, but it would take a skilled leader to translate this song to another congregation, as its chorus could easily fall flat in the wrong hands. I enjoyed the moody changes of “God Most High,” but its simple rhythms and repetitive chorus could also flag in hands less skilled than that of Baloche and co-writer Glen Packiam.

Just when you’re all warm and fuzzy, Baloche pulls out another surprise, completely stretching out on the sizzling rocker “Your Love Came Down.” Up to now, I confess I always found Baloche a bit buttoned-down for my taste, but this album has greatly increased my interest and respect in this worship artist, and this track only sealed the deal. Revealing his hidden rocker side, Baloche really brings it home with nuanced guitar riffs, richly textured percussion, and free floating vocals brimming over with passionate delight in his Savior. Our God Saves is well worth your time and money, not only for the stellar guest artists, the accompanying worship resources, and potential new congregation songs, but just for the sheer bliss of hearing Paul Baloche cut loose. One of the year’s most interesting worship projects, for sure.