I have tremendous respect for Paul Baloche and his ministry.
For many years, he’s been such a consistent writer of great songs that are easy to learn, sing, play and lead worship with, that you just can’t help but admire him.
To be honest, keeping my personal fan mania out and putting on an unbiased mind is a real challenge when reviewing his music!
“Your Mercy” is Paul’s newest album recorded live in a Brooklyn studio with his wife Rita and son David along with guests like The Brilliance, Joel Buckner and Onaje, Jefferson (Brooklyn Tab) and more.
In Paul’s own words, “After 26 years of serving in the same church and living in the same community in Texas, my wife and I purged most of our possessions and moved to a small apartment in NYC.
Your Mercy captures the sounds of our new community from across the city. Live in a Brooklyn studio over several nights, this recording conveys honest worship sessions with very few overdubs. No digital instruments or synthesizers used, but a back-to-basics simplicity of worship…singing together new prayers and songs as a community to glorify God.”
“Your Mercy”—About the Songs
As Paul himself says, there are no digital instruments or synthesizers—so this is the most natural sounding worship album I’ve heard in quite a while now—the style is almost like an ‘unplugged’ concert.
Every song put me at ease and the entire listening experience was relaxing and pleasant. As usual, the lyrics of these songs are easy to connect with as a worshiper and using them in corporate worship is a given.
Having said that, here’s what I think of the songs on this project:
The album opens with Psalm 92 (It is good), a breezy, countryish song with lines straight out of the Psalms that’ll easily get you to sing along and start worshiping. If you like singing scripture, you’re sure to enjoy this one.
Once for All is a lovely song centered on Christ that turns our hearts to worship at the Cross hoping for the resurrection:
In the shadow of the cross
We see our shame for what it was
And feel Your heart
Your heart of grace
Found in You is an upbeat song of praise celebrating Jesus and the freedom we find in Him.
I will Worship You is a splendid song of encouragement to not let go of worshiping Jesus during life’s different seasons—in tough times as well as those glad moments when grace renews us.
The title track Your Mercy is next and… dang… great song! Heartfelt lyrics and emotive melodies marry really well to give us one of the best songs of this project:
You give me life beyond the grave
My deepest shame is cast away
You sing a song that covers me
It’s Your mercy
Songs of the People is already available as the title track of PrestonWood Worship’s new album. Frankly, it’s difficult to stop singing along to this one and continue writing this review! Cool song of praise with a strong chorus. Arrangement wise, I think PrestonWood’s version has a slight edge over this one—so, do check out both versions!
God forever is a wonderful surprise—it’s a co-write with Aaron Shust and… wait for it… Fanny Crosby! I guess it’s a continuation of the good work begun in “Blessed Assurance-the worship songs of Fanny Crosby”. If you’re a worship leader, it’s sure to enter your set-lists by default. I love this song!
Waves of the ocean deep
Bend to Your will
With Your commanding voice
Storms become still
All will acknowledge You
All will proclaim
You are the King of kings
Great is Your name
Turn your eyes upon Jesus is a modern take on the old hymn of the same name. Another sweet song.
Lyrically, To the Cross I come is sheer beauty. Jennifer Holm & All Sons & Daughters join in to give us a jewel of a song. You could buy the whole album just for this and ‘God forever’.
Despised and rejected
You carried our pain
Traded strength for our weakness
Your glory for shame
No grave could contain You
No rival too strong
Our hope resurrected
Your love conquered all
More than I deserve is a solid song declaring who we are and what amazing gifts we have received in and through Christ Jesus.
Peace on earth closes out this album with an intimate prayer for peace for this world. It’s also a thoughtful reminder to take the love of God to others.
Thoughts about the album
While every song is truly enjoyable, these songs stood out for me:
“God forever”, “Songs of the people”, “To the Cross I come”, “Your mercy”, “Once for all” and “I will worship you”.
The album oozes co-writing goodness with artists like All Sons & Daughters, Corey Voss, Michael Neale, Andi Rozier, Matt Redman, Meredith Andrews, Aaron Shust and Aaron Gillespie joining in. So lyrically at least, you’re probably not going to be unhappy with any of these songs!
This is a much softer production than Paul’s usual albums, but doesn’t lack any of the good qualities normally expected of them—all in all, a fine variety of God centered worship songs.
It’s pretty easy to predict that many of these songs will eventually get into the worship of many churches worldwide—and that’s a good thing—there are excellent songs here that should be sung by worshipers.
Just go get it, you won’t regret it!
And Now, For The Giveaway!
Leave a comment below (don’t forget to fill in your email-ID) listing 3 of your favorite songs written by Paul Baloche for a chance to win a digital copy of “Your Mercy”—there will be three winners. This giveaway is over.
