After Suite’s recent conversation with John Waller, I was eager to hear his debut album, especially given its back-story. Waller founded According to John, a band that came within inches of breaking through a decade ago but stopped just short of hitting. After giving up the band dream, John moved to Colorado to serve a small church plant as worship pastor, content to write songs to lead his congregation to the Lord on Sunday morning. But when his unique lyrical style caught the eye of Mark Hall, Casting Crowns lead singer, unexpected doors were opened, landing John at Hall’s own label home, Beach Street Records. I have a feeling that when “The Blessing” drops today, March 6th, it will powerfully impact the current worship scene.
The quality so outstanding in John Waller’s music is immediately identifiable: strength. And it reads to me not like youthful bravado, but a mature hard-won strength, the kind that comes from brokenness. Sort of the way a broken bone is stronger after mending. Through the lush Crowder-like density of opener “Calling For a Flood” you quickly notice Waller’s intense vocal focus; this is a man with something to say, a man who will be heard now that he’s been given an opportunity. The lyrical ingenuity that first caught Hall’s ear shows up promptly. Actually, Hall joins Waller on the title track, a veritable paean of strength, both vocally and in the bold guitars. The plea to be a blessing, to leave a holy legacy, is both moving and inspiring.
There’s nary a clunker on the whole album, and numerous standouts. The irresistibly melodic “Still Calls Me Son” comes across as the prodigal’s song of wonder, powerfully capturing the amazement of the forgiven in its soaring chorus. The muscular “Ancient Words” is a strapping song of faith, referencing the Old Testament blessings and generational curses. A mighty song of declaration, as Waller described in our interview. My favorite track is “Breathe on Me,” in its lustrous strings a cry for Presence, a valuable song for both congregational and personal worship.
Mark Miller of Sawyer Brown joins Waller for the earthy closer, “Sacred Pages.” The two vocals pair beautifully over some sterling mandolin work, leaving you gazing toward heaven in fresh wonder. “The Blessing” offers musical delight, yes, but will prove itself also as, well, as a blessing, if your faith needs a jolt. A heartfelt thank you to John Waller.
