Back in the mid-90's Kim began writing impromptu reviews of church music CDs (worship music) so that people who were looking for CDs would have an opinion from someone who is also a worship leader and is garnering music for local church use. Up to this point, this was rarely something that was done, because church music was revered as sacred and it was thought that any offering of that sacred worship shouldn't be criticised or evaluated. In fact, Kim wasn't as much a critic as he was an evaluator, helping people find what fit their church. He began posting his reviews on line in a email discussion forum, called the Worship List (website). After a while, when he helped launch Worshipmusic.com, he continued that same concept of trying to help other local church worship leaders and musicians find music that might be applicable to their situations. The reviews continued to be a part of that. Worshipmusic.com went on to grow a staff of writers that would add many more reviews to the collection they have, but Kim continued to participate as a key reviewer. This journal logs all the reviews Kim has written on worship music CDs and projects.
Kim's reviews of CD projects of worship music includes independents, label and main stream recordings, but all having to do with worship music.
Monday, August 20, 2007 at 9:28AM 
One of the treasures we have in the United States is the songwriter, equipper and worship leader Paul Baloche. I have had the opportunity to meet with Paul a number of times. He has a desire to encourage and equip the church as much as any worship leader I have met. He doesn't just record albums and write songs- he has developed helpful resources, often pioneering in training, in an effort to truly give away the gracious gifting God has blessed him with. With that kind of heart, one isn't surprised that his recordings and songs have a special place in the heart of millions of Christians around the world. The same genuine pastoral care he has for the local church is conveyed in his songs and recordings.
The album "A Greater Song" shows one of the richest collections of new songs in recent memory. But beyond being just great singable new songs, they are crafted with excellence in lyrics and music. Paul manages to put together a truly great album with "A Greater Song" by not only attending to musical production, but by co-writing nearly every song on the album with some of the best songwriters in the world. Brenton Brown, Matt Redman, Glenn Packiam, Graham Kendrick, Sara Groves, and Don Moen all count Paul as a friend and lend their talents to this cornacopia of new songs harvested for the modern church.
The project kicks off with the very popular Hosanna (Praise Is Rising), a reverberating exaltation that declares with the Palm Sunday tradition "Hosanna, Hosanna, You are the God who saves us." This is a co-write with Brenton Brown, author of Everlasting God, Halellujah (Your Love Is Amazing) and many other songs. The lyrics have captivated congregations around the world and is rising to become one of the most used songs in the Christian church. If you haven't heard this song, take time and do so- excellent, playable and well-written theological lyrics.
The songs continue with brilliance in songwriting and top notch presentation with Because Of Your Love, another co-write with Brenton Brown. This upbeat declaration thanks God for his great love and it rings true with a unity of lyric and beat that emphasize the point. Like all the songs on this album, electric guitarist Ben Gowell works perfect tone and rhythmic placement on the leads and overlays for each section of the songs. They are as enjoyable to listen to as they are to sing along- a real delight.
The tracklist doesn't falter, and you get full load of rock/country/pop ballad and more on this project. Some of my favorite tracks are Thank You Lord (co-write with Don Moen), Creation's King (co-write with Graham Kendrick), and Here And Now (yet another co-write with Brenton Brown). Paul not only recognizes the value of great co-writing in his song craft, but incorporates the beautiful voice of Kathyrn Scott on a couple of tracks. And this brings me to my favorite song on the album.
Your Name is a co-write with Glenn Packiam (of New Life Church in Colorado). On this recording, Paul Baloche entreats a ballad by way of a duet with Kathryn Scott- a duet that marks simplicity and perfection on the most singable and infectious melody on the album. If for no other reason, get this recording of this song- it brims with glory, declaration, and not the least- the focus on the Name above all names. You will be launched into praise and worship if you dare to begin singing this encouraging ballad.
A beautiful song and a wonderful album, "A Greater Song" was awarded 2006 Album of the Year by WorshipMusic.com and it is no wonder. Don't hesitate to add this great album to your collection.
Product Link: A Greater Song - Paul Baloche
Review by Kim Gentes
