A collaborative project featuring many of the genre’s key contributors, Our God Saves, 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 is joined by his son David on the buoyant title track, opening the project to a thick and immediate atmosphere of excitement and joy, the live crowd’s energy crackling beneath the glimmering guitars. Upbeat rocker “The Kingdom of God” follows, layered guitars underscoring the urgency of the lyrics. The rousing track will wake up the sleepiest Sunday morning congregations, and once they’re stirring, the strongly Biblical message should send them out into the streets. The disc’s 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 a partner whose soaring vocals blend with his warm tones in a match nothing short of sublime, the magnificent Kathryn Scott. Together the duo sends the worship up into the heavenlies in thick waves.
Visiting pastor Martin Ssempa of Uganda sends up a passionate prayer mid-disc, and it only adds to the energy level. Brenton Brown joins Baloche on the soon-to-be-classic “Hallelujah to My King.”Matt Redman’s familiar soft vocals highlight Strong keys underscore the passionate worship of this track, which has the potent feel of a hymn. “I Cling to the Cross,” a track containing his signature touch of heartfelt focus. The standout track emphasizes the supremacy of the cross through its big guitars, percolating percussion, and the gorgeous vocal blend of the two masters of worship. The chorus of “No Turning Back” is woven in seamlessly into this potent standout, amping up the emotional and spiritual charge.
“You Gave Your Life Away” is just as strong, its quiet acoustic opening particularly lovely. 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. The moody changes of “God Most High” are easy to enjoy, but its simple rhythms and repetitive chorus could also flag in hands less skilled than that of Baloche and co-writer Glen Packiam. Lincoln Brewster adds a sizzling guitar solo to the fat pop rock of “The Way” and tasty guitar tidbits and edgy rhythms add potency to “How Great Thou Art.”
Melodious piano ballad “Great Redeemer” features some Beatlesque changes, its deep worship delivered with great warmth by Baloche and son David. But just when you’re all warm and fuzzy, Baloche pulls out yet another surprise, completely stretching out on the sizzling rocker “Your Love Came Down.” Up to this album, Baloche has always seemed a bit buttoned-down, but this album reveals another side 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 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.
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