In the spring of this year, modern worship trailblazer Paul Baloche released his widely acclaimed 12th album, The Same Love, which forged a progressive path musically. Baloche is now offering deeper insight into each of the 13 songs on the album with the Oct. 1 book release from David C Cook, The Same Love: A Devotion.
Each new song from The Same Love was birthed from genuinely inspired moments through which lyrics and melodies were created. But there were also moments in between the songs where Baloche felt there was more to be said. The Same Love: A Devotion is that collection, a progression of thoughts and prayers that compliment the lyrics and message of the songs.
“Songwriting is a big part of my spiritual life,” Baloche shares. “It helps me go deeper with God. It helps me fix my mind on Jesus, to set my mind on things above. It keeps my own heart fresh and alive, for myself, my family and the church.”
In Baloche’s spiritual walk, the church is both a beacon and the passion that fuels his own journey.
“I try to be mindful that I’m putting words into the mouths of God’s people,” he explains, aware that these songs can give believers a vocabulary to sing back to God. “And when they sing those words, hopefully it will act as a catalyst in their heart, so something will happen in them. Because when we sing, it goes down deep into our soul.”
With The Same Love: A Devotion, Baloche provides a tangible way to go deeper. For instance, while diving into the message of the song that became the title track of the book and album, Baloche shares inspiration from Mark 5.21-43, where Jesus healed a sick woman and raised a synagogue leader’s daughter from death. Going through this passage of scripture, Baloche then compels the reader to apply the story personally.
“The same love that spread the heavens wide and was crucified and raised Jairus’ little girl and sent a woman back into her new life is calling to you today,” relays Baloche in the book. “Your situation and circumstances will be unique to you because you are unique. Maybe the same love is challenging you to live what you believe….maybe that same love is simply calling your name to remind you of your worth in God’s eyes. Different times, different stories, different needs, but a love that is the same yesterday, today, and forever calling, ‘Come to me now.’”
Taking the message of these songs on the road, Baloche’s touring/workshop/teaching schedule takes him around the world. In the coming months, he will host Leadworship Workshops throughout the U.S., as well as travel abroad to Brazil, UK, Ireland and Canada.
Best known for such modern classics as “Open the Eyes of My Heart,” “Above All,” “Hosanna,” and “Your Name,” Baloche’s songs have been recorded by numerous artists, including Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, Matt Redman and Philips, Craig & Dean. And this three-time Dove Award-winning writer’s songs are sung by millions of worshippers around the world, with 21 of them included in the CCLI Top 500 list, indicating the songs most often used in North American churches.
In addition to writing, recording, touring and celebrating 20 years as the worship pastor at Community Fellowship in Lindale, TX, Baloche has created a variety of teaching DVDs, along with many free resources designed specifically for worship leaders and musicians. He has also written the book, God Songs –How to Write and Select Songs for Worship. He is a contributing writer for both Worship Leader and Worship Musician magazines and is a featured blogger on ChurchLeaders.com.
For more information on Paul Baloche, go to www.leadworship.com, www.davidccook.com and www.integritymusic.com.
Baloche, the Dove Award Winning Writer of “Above All,” and “Open The Eyes of My Heart,” and Ryan, the Worship Leader for Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church, are Joined by Newcomers Hayley Morgan Smith and Allan Scott
Dove Award winning songwriter and worship leader Paul Baloche (“Open The Eyes of My Heart,” “Hosanna,” “Above All,” “Your Name”) hits the road June 25 for a “Brown Bag” tour with his Integrity Music labelmate and Saddleback Church worship leader Travis Ryan, (“Fearless,” “Jesus, Precious Jesus”). The two are joined by recording artists Haley Morgan Smith and Allan Scott for free worship concerts hosted by Christian radio stations in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC.
In time for the summer road trip season, the foursome will be traveling in an RV to the following locations where radio listeners are invited to bring a “brown bag” breakfast, lunch or dinner while they enjoy a free concert at either the station, a local church or nearby LifeWay Christian store. The tour includes a special concert for the soldiers and their families at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, NC, to which the public is also invited. And a worship music workshop hosted by Baloche and Ryan is planned for the DC area. (Commemorative “All RV Access” lanyards will be given to local worship/ministry leaders and Christian radio VIPs in each area.)
Monday, June 25
Noon – Hosted by WAFJ – Augusta, GA (Location: KROC Center, 1833 Broad Street)
7:30pm – Hosted by WCLN – Fayetteville, NC (Location: Fort Bragg)
Tuesday, June 26
10am – Hosted by WMHK – Columbia, SC (Location: 7435 Monticello Road)
7pm – Hosted by WLFJ – Greenville SC (Location: The Channel, 221 North Main Street)
Wednesday, June 27
Noon – Hosted by WCQR – Johnson City, TN (Location: Summit Leadership, 3104 Hanover Road)
5pm – Hosted by WHJB – Kingsport, TN (Location: LifeWay Christian Store, 2626 East Stone Drive, No. 10)
Thursday, June 28
10am – Hosted by WPER – Lynchburg, VA (Location: LifeWay Christian Store, 3901 Wards Road)
7pm – Hosted by WRBS – Baltimore, MD (Location: Faith Baptist Church, 7378 E. Furnace Branch Rd, Glen Burnie MD)
Friday, June 29
7am – Hosted by WJTL (Live Concert on the air) – Lancaster, PA (Location: 1875 Junction Rd. Manheim, PA)
Noon – Hosted by WCRH – Hagerstown, MD (Location: 12146 Cedar Ridge Road Williamsport, MD)
5pm – Hosted by WGTS – Washington, DC (Worship ministry workshop held at Capital Church located at 10233 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA)
8pm – Hosted by WGTS – Washington DC (Location: Capital Church at 10233 Leesburg)
*Additional tour information for Integrity Music’s worship leaders can be found at http://bnds.in/Lr1yLC <http://bnds.in/Lr1yLC> .
Celebrating 20 years of music and ministry, modern worship trailblazer Paul Baloche releases his acclaimed, 12th recording with Integrity Music, The Same Love, today to digital providers iTunes® and Amazon.com, among others, as well as to general market stores through Sony Music Entertainment, marking the first time in five years that new music from Baloche has been distributed by Sony. The album was released to CBA market stores March 13.
With “Christ the Lord” and “All Because of the Cross” from The Same Love already being adopted this Easter by many churches, Baloche is also offering a free song, “We Are Saved,” from the album through his website, www.leadworship.com. The song was written by Baloche along with Hillsong’s Ben Fielding and One Sonic Society’s Jason Ingram.
In addition to Fielding and Ingram, Baloche was joined by accomplished songwriters Kari Jobe, Lincoln Brewster, Ed Kerr and All Sons & Daughters, among others, together delivering 13 compelling tracks composed in community. Baloche also shares vocals on songs with Jobe, Fielding, Ingram, All Sons & Daughters, Brothers McClurg and Kathryn Scott. Co-produced with Ben Gowell and Michael Rossback, while GRAMMY Award-winning engineer Chris Lord-Alge (U2/Switchfoot) mixed the title track, first single and music video from the project, The Same Love forges a progressive path musically.
Already garnering covers, features and/or reviews by Worship Leader, Worship Musician, Charisma, CCM, Christian Today, Gospel Music Channel and more, here is what the critics are continuing to say about the album:
“The heralded worship leader turns in another grand effort…Baloche’s moody vocals are reminiscent of Switchfoot's Jon Foreman, which blends well with the album’s modern-rock vibe…Pitch-perfect production, a heavenward focus—The Same Love delivers the goods.” – ChristianityToday.com
“World-renowned songwriter and worship leader Paul Baloche has again met and exceeded expectations with his latest worship release, The Same Love…This worship collection is full of scripture-rich lyrics, quiet prayers, memorable choruses, and wonderful expressions of love to our God that are sure to be in the hearts and on the lips of worshippers around the world.” – Worship Musician
“They say that music soothes the savage beast and in Paul Baloche’s case, it soothes the ravaged soul. His gift is that strong and his delivery is that sincere… count on getting ‘goosies’ just like Jennifer Lopez does when she hears music that blows her away.” – About.com
“Baloche sounds rejuvenated and bursting with energy. The by-product is a top-notch worship album. It’s the Paul Baloche you know and love -- the sensitive singer-songwriter with heartfelt songs -- and this CD is sure to capture listeners’ hearts and radio programmers’ ears. So, ready or not, Paul Baloche is about to be thrust into the spotlight.” – NewReleaseTuesday.com
“The Same Love is a great collection of new songs from Paul Baloche and should give the church 13 more God glorifying songs to worship with. This CD continues to move Baloche to the forefront of influential modern praise and worship.” – Colossal Pop
“Paul Baloche gives the Church a great gift with The Same Love…Listening to a new Paul Baloche CD for the first time is like opening a huge stack of Christmas presents – so much excitement, anticipation of what’s to come, looking forward to discovering what new jewels will be inside. With Paul’s latest release, The Same Love, that anticipation is greatly rewarded with a batch of fresh, powerful, creative new songs for the church.” – AllAboutWorship.com
“To sum up, these 13 songs that Paul has recorded…are truly a magnificent masterpiece! A work of art, nothing short of amazing! … Paul has raised the bar higher than ever on The Same Love… Paul’s near flawless album, is one to truly remember!” – ChristianMusicZine.com
“If you’re looking for encouragement, worship, or new material for your congregation you’ll find it here...Thanks to Paul Baloche for pouring his heart and spirit into my new favorite album.” – Colliedoscope
Taking the new music on the road, Baloche’s touring/workshop/teaching schedule takes him around the world. In the coming months, he will host Leadworship Workshops throughout the U.S., followed by a two week Canadian tour with worship artist Phil Wickham and conferences in the Netherlands, Singapore and UK.
Best known for such modern classics as “Open the Eyes of My Heart,” “Above All,” “Hosanna,” and “Your Name,” Paul Baloche’s songs have been recorded by numerous artists, including Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, Matt Redman and Philips, Craig & Dean. And this three-time Dove Award-winning writer’s songs are sung by millions of worshippers around the world, with 21 of them included in the CCLI Top 500 list, indicating the songs most often used in North American churches.
In addition to writing, recording, touring and serving as a worship pastor, Baloche has created a variety of teaching DVDs, along with many free resources designed specifically for worship leaders and musicians. He has also written a book, God Songs –How to Write and Select Songs for Worship. He is a contributing writer for both Worship Leader and Worship Musician magazines and is a featured blogger on ChurchLeaders.com. For more information on Paul Baloche, go to www.leadworship.com and www.integritymusic.com.
Celebrating 20 years of music and ministry, modern worship trailblazer Paul Baloche releases his acclaimed, 12th recording with Integrity Music, The Same Love, through CBA market stores today. On April 3, the album will be available through digital providers iTunes® and Amazon.com, among others, as well as available in general market stores through Sony Music Entertainment, marking the first time in five years that new music from Baloche has been distributed by Sony.
Leading up to the April 3 digital and general market release date, those who pre-buy The Same Love for $9.99 will receive immediate access to the exclusive Paul Baloche Experience featuring performance videos, tutorials, behind the music videos, work tapes/demos, photos, new song streams, chord charts and more. For more information and to pre-buy the album, go to www.experiencepaulbaloche.com.
Co-produced with Ben Gowell and Michael Rossback, The Same Love forges a progressive path musically, while delivering 13 compelling tracks composed in community with accomplished songwriters Ben Fielding, Kari Jobe, Lincoln Brewster, Jason Ingram, Ed Kerr and All Sons & Daughters among others. In addition to co-writing, Baloche shares vocals on tracks with Kari Jobe, One Sonic Society’s Jason Ingram, All Sons & Daughters, Brothers McClurg, Kathryn Scott and Hillsong’s Ben Fielding. GRAMMY Award-winning engineer Chris Lord-Alge (U2/Switchfoot) also mixes the title track, first single and music video from the project. The video was filmed and edited by Baloche’s son, David Baloche (www.youtube.com).
Already garnering covers or features in Worship Musician, Charisma, CCM, Christian Today and more, here is what the critics are already saying about the album:
“Paul has furnished the Church with a new set list, but he has also gifted us with songs for our times of private devotion. In a sea of swirling, growling electric guitars, the acoustic beauty and sweetly sung melodies of Paul and company are a refreshing and welcome alternative.” – Worship Leader
“The lyrics may be timeless in nature, but this collection boasts some of the most musically progressive work of Baloche’s career. With The Same Love, he has fashioned an album that showcases old truths in a new light and has made the gospel relevant to a whole new generation.” – Gospel Music Channel
“…this worship album from Paul Baloche is one of the best I have heard in a long time and definitely one of Paul’s best albums to date.” – Louder Than The Music (5-star review)
“This is the Paul Baloche CD I have been waiting for. The production is perfect and the writing is nothing less than remarkable. If you are a Baloche fan you will love this album. If you are a worship leader you will spend many thoughts trying to decide if it’s ok to introduce all of these songs to your church next week.” – Klampert.com
Taking the new music on the road, Baloche’s touring/workshop/teaching schedule takes him around the world. In the coming months, he will host Leadworship Workshops throughout the U.S., followed by a two week Canadian tour with worship artist Phil Wickham and conferences in the Netherlands, Singapore and UK.
Best known for such modern classics as “Open the Eyes of My Heart,” “Above All,” “Hosanna,” and “Your Name,” Paul Baloche’s songs have been recorded by numerous artists, including Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, Matt Redman and Philips, Craig & Dean. And this three-time Dove Award-winning writer’s songs are sung by millions of worshipers around the world, with 21 of them included in the CCLI Top 500 list, indicating the songs most often used in North American churches.
In addition to writing, recording, touring and serving as a worship pastor, Baloche has created a variety of teaching DVDs, along with many free resources designed specifically for worship leaders and musicians. He has also written a book, God Songs –How to Write and Select Songs for Worship. He is a contributing writer for both Worship Leader and Worship Musician magazines and is a featured blogger on ChurchLeaders.com. For more information on Paul Baloche, go to www.leadworship.com and www.integritymusic.com.
Celebrating 20 years of music and ministry, modern worship trailblazer Paul Baloche is one of today’s most influential worship leaders, songwriters and mentors. The Same Love—Baloche’s 12th recording with Integrity Music—releases March 13th. Co-produced with Ben Gowell and Michael Rossback, The Same Love forges a progressive path musically, while delivering 13 compelling tracks composed in community with accomplished songwriters Ben Fielding, Kari Jobe, Lincoln Brewster, Jason Ingram, Ed Kerr and All Sons & Daughters among others.
Best known for such modern classics as “Open the Eyes of My Heart,” “Above All,” “Hosanna,” and “Your Name,” Paul Baloche’s songs have been recorded by numerous artists, including Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, Matt Redman and Philips, Craig & Dean. And this three-time Dove Award-winning writer’s songs are sung by millions of worshipers around the world, with 21 of them included in the CCLI Top 500 list, indicating the songs most often used in North American churches.
But for this modern hymn writer, mentor and teacher who once aspired to be a priest, ministry is not a sprint, but a marathon, a long series of obedient steps in the same direction. After 25 years of marriage, 23 years leading worship at Community Christian Fellowship in Lindale, TX, a 20-year partnership with Integrity, a decade with the same band members and hundreds of teaching resources provided free for church leaders (via his web site leadworship.com), Paul Baloche remains focused on the adventurous calling upon his life.
“One of the reasons I love the process to this day is that it’s a bit of a frontier, a mystery,” Paul says of the creative process behind The Same Love. “You can’t put your finger on it. Nobody can. It has a sense of adventure, a Lewis and Clark kind of thing. All explorers, over time, are trying to go places they’ve never been. Writing for worship is a lot like that. You’re trying to go places you’ve never been, deeper into ancient biblical truths, stirring up your modern soul, if you will. You’re testing the tension and the harmony of several things, combining that with what’s going on musically at the moment... And you end up with all these different elements — harmony, chords, lyrics, melody, vibe — and out comes something new.”
In addition to co-writing, joining Baloche on vocals for The Same Love are Kari Jobe, who sings on “Look Upon the Lord,” One Sonic Society’s Jason Ingram, who sings on “Reign in Me,” All Sons & Daughters on “King of Heaven” and “Oh Our Lord” and Brothers McClurg on “Just Say.” Kathryn Scott lends her vocals on “My Hope” and Hillsong’s Ben Fielding joins Baloche on “We Are Saved,” which was mixed by GRAMMY Award-winning engineer Chris Lord-Alge (U2/Switchfoot). Lord-Alge also mixes the title track, the touchstone for the entire album and first single from the project, co-written by Baloche and Michael Rossback.
“God is not this impersonal force,” Paul says. “The truth is that from creation to the crucifixion, God has been calling us – by name. He’s giving us a challenge, calling us to the cross, asking, ‘Are you ready to give up your way of doing things? Come as you are, pick up your cross daily and I will transform your life.’”
The same love that set the captives free
The same love that opened eyes to see
Is calling us all by name
With themes of God’s faithfulness and mercy through Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross, The Same Love showcases Baloche’s unbreakable connection to and passion for the Church. “From project to project, I try to wipe the slate clean,” he says, “to consider what’s happening right now in my church, in my own soul and in the church at large. And I ask, ‘What do I sense in the heart of the next generation, how do they perceive God, the church, fellowship and community?’”
The Same Love also gives voice to the spoken and unspoken prayers of people in times of need. “Life is hard, people are looking for hope, and there’s not much to be found outside of the hope we have in Christ,” says Baloche. “My intent is for these songs to be honest prayers for the Church to sing, songs that give people a means of expression, songs that facilitate a conversation with God.”
Continuing that conversation, Baloche’s touring/workshop/teaching schedule takes him around the world. In the coming months, he will host Leadworship Workshops throughout the U.S., followed by a two week Canadian tour with worship artist Phil Wickham and conferences in the Netherlands, Singapore and UK.
In addition to writing, recording, touring and serving as a worship pastor, Baloche has created a variety of teaching DVDs, along with many free resources designed specifically for worship leaders and musicians. He has also written a book, God Songs –How to Write and Select Songs for Worship. He is a contributing writer for both Worship Leader and Worship Musician magazines and is a featured blogger on ChurchLeaders.com. For more information on Paul Baloche, go to www.leadworship.com and www.integritymusic.com.
The Same Love full track listing with corresponding songwriters follows:
The Same Love (Baloche, Michael Rossback)
We Are Saved (Baloche, Ben Fielding, Jason Ingram)
King of Heaven (Baloche, Jason Ingram)
All Because of the Cross (Baloche, Ben Gowell)
Your Blood Ran Down (Baloche)
My Hope (Baloche, Ed Kerr, Sheila Rabe, Alyssa Mellinger)
Oh Our Lord (Baloche, All Sons & Daughters - David Leonard and Leslie Jordan)
Christ the Lord (Baloche)
Reign in Me (Baloche, Jason Ingram)
Just Say (Baloche, Brothers McClurg - Chris and Anthony Hoisington)
Loved By You (Baloche, Lincoln Brewster)
Look Upon the Lord (Baloche, Kari Jobe, Jason Ingram)
Shout for Joy (Baloche, Jason Ingram, Lincoln Brewster)
When nominations were announced last week for the 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards, Integrity Music’s signed and distributed artists and songwriters received an impressive 18 nods.
With one of the most successful CDs by a debut artist in recent years and the top-selling new artist album of 2009, Kari Jobe was nominated as New Artist of the Year. The artist/songwriter/worship leader earned a total of three nominations. Her additional nods were for Spanish Language Album for the Spanish version of her debut record and for Special Event Album of the Year for her participation on the Glory Revealed II: The Word of God In Worship.
“I am so excited to be up for these nominations! It’s a dream come true and such an honor. I’m having more fun meeting other artists that I’ve looked up to over the years and the newer ones who I am running alongside now in ministry and life. It’s so fun, and I cannot wait for April 21st and the Dove Awards show,” a joyful Jobe responded after not only receiving the three nominations but also participating in the press conference in Nashville to make the Dove Awards announcement. Before the Dove Awards in April, Jobe will be performing on tour with Desperation Band and leading worship at churches across the country.
"Revelation Song," which is featured on Jobe's debut album and was a radio hit for Phillips, Craig & Dean, was nominated for two songwriter awards - Song of the Year and Worship Song of the Year - for Jennie Lee Riddle, a Gateway Create/Integrity Praise Music songwriter
Mary Mary, whose recent album The Sound has won for the sister duo both Stellar Awards and a GRAMMY Award, was honored with their first nomination in the Dove Award’s top category – Artist of the Year. The sister duo who records on Columbia Records and is distributed by Integrity Music, is currently featured prominently in the 25th anniversary recording of “We Are the World,” the multi-artist Haiti benefit song and video.
Fresh from his GRAMMY Award win last month, Israel Houghton earned four nominations, including three nominations for songs from his GRAMMY Award-winning album The Power of One. “Just Wanna Say” was nominated for Urban Recorded Song of the Year while “Every Prayer” and “The Power of One” share nominations in the Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year. Houghton received a fourth nomination for Special Event Album for his contributions to CompassionArt: Creating Freedom From Poverty.
Also nominated for the CompassionArt project was Paul Baloche. Baloche earned a second nomination for Worship Song of the Year for “Hosanna.”
Hillsong’s Brooke Fraser penned a worship song also called “Hosanna,” and that modern hymn was nominated for Inspirational Song of the Year from Selah’s album You Deliver Me. Hillsong was also recognized with a Dove Award nomination for Long Form Video of the Year for “Faith + Hope + Love.”
Integrity’s other album nominations include Country music superstar Collin Raye’s first solo Dove Award nomination for his TimeLife/Integrity Music CD Never Going Back. Integrity Music Latin’s Julissa was nominated in the Spanish Language Album category for Adorandote and in the Children’s Music Album category, Shout Praises Kids – Today is the Day was recognized. Finally, Integrity’s Choral division earned a nod for Youth/Children’s Music of the Year for “Get To The Manager” by Jeff Sandstrom.
(For the second year in a row, fans will be able to cast their votes online for Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year. Fans can vote for Jobe as New Artist and Mary Mary for Artist starting the first week of March at www.gmclife.com.)
The GMA Dove Awards is Christian/Gospel music’s biggest night of the year, where top artists from every style of gospel music come together for a night of music and celebration as the GMA bestows the industry's highest honor -- the Dove Award. The 41st Annual Dove Awards will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at Nashville’s famed Grand Ole Opry House and televised nationwide on gmc (http://www.gmclife.com), Sunday, April 25, 2010 from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. EST. gmc is the fastest-growing network in television and can be seen in 46 million homes on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224.
Baloche will be singing the title track to Glorious, his acclaimed new modern worship album released last month on Integrity Music, on the TBN Christmas Special. He will also sing his song “Offering” featured on Worship and Adore: A Christmas Offering, also from Integrity Music.
In addition to Baloche and McClurkin, the TBN special will feature FOX News anchor Kelly Wright, actress Sherri Sheppard and artists Ayiesha Woods and Sherri Jones Moffett. The special is scheduled to debut Dec. 19 at 5:00 pm ET / 2:00 pm PT. (Schedule subject to change, check your local listings.)
Baloche’s peers, including Michael W. Smith, Israel Houghton and Martin Smith (Delirious?/CompassionArt), as well as Worship Leader, Christianity Today, New Release Tuesday and others, continue to share their enthusiasm for Baloche and Glorious:
“Filled with songs of hope, praise and adoration, Glorious affirms Baloche's legacy as one of today's premiere worship artists and songwriters.” – Charisma
“…congregational worship in pop/rock form with direct lyrics of devotion to God that enrich the believer as they uplift the name of Christ.” – Worship Musician
“Paul Baloche is one of today’s most influential worship songwriters. He has written songs that are shaping worship services all over the world…Paul has crafted some of the most inspiring songs in church culture today.” – Amazon.com
“Glorious contains songs of faith, hope, commitment, trust, and praise that will encourage your church, be a joy to listen to, and stir up a love for the risen Savior who came to purchase our forgiveness and rescue us from our sins.” – WorshipMatters.com
“This songwriter, musician, and worship leader has helped define the sound that has come to represent the mainstream of worship music in recent years.” – Soul-Audio.com
For more information on Paul Baloche’s Glorious, check out the e-card at www.integritymusic.com/ecard/glorious.
Additional information can be found at www.paulbaloche.com, www.leadworship.com and www.integritymusic.com.
Two-time Dove Award winning Paul Baloche releases his eighth collection of new worship songs, Glorious, today (Nov. 3) on Integrity Music amidst critical and peer acclaim. In addition to the CD, worship resources for Glorious include a print and digital songbook, CD trax and more.
Baloche’s peers, including Michael W. Smith, Israel Houghton and Martin Smith (Delirious?/CompassionArt), share their enthusiasm for Baloche and his new album as Worship Leader, Christianity Today, New Release Tuesday and other media offer critical acclaim:
“Paul Baloche is one of the most gifted writers I know,” says Michael W. Smith, who co-wrote with Baloche this year’s Dove Award winning song, “A New Hallelujah,” featured on Glorious. “He is an absolute joy to be with and his talent is immense. I’ve heard his songs performed literally all over the world. But most of all, I have been so blessed beyond measure to have been led by Paul in worship. Maybe one word to sum it up to describe my dear friend? – ‘Authenticity,’ which I believe the church and the world are starving for.”
“Paul Baloche has long been the standard by which other writers of worship music like myself strive to reach,” says Israel Houghton. “His ability to be profound yet accessible is unlike any other. This new project is loaded with those kind of songs.”
“Paul is the real deal. I’ve had the pleasure of working, writing and recording with him and his heart is made of pure gold,” says Martin Smith, Delirious? frontman and CompassionArt founder.
“Paul Baloche has done more than release a CD, he has fitted the Church with a full set list of prayers that will musically form the hearts of congregations for years to come…Baloche’s uniqueness has always flowed from an innate ability to speak the language of the heart and the language of heaven simultaneously.” – Worship Leader
“Widely recognized as one of worship music’s finest wordsmiths, Baloche should also become famous for his fine-tuned artistry. These songs are poised for church-wide acceptance and his artist career should benefit from Glorious’ A+ production and songs.” – Christianity Today Music.
“If you’ve liked past hit songs by Paul Baloche including ‘Open The Eyes Of My Heart,’ ‘Offering’ and ‘Your Name,’ then you’ll really enjoy Glorious…you need to add Glorious to your worship music collection.” – NewReleaseTuesday.com (Newreleasetuesday.com is also offering a free music download of the title track, “Glorious,” at this link.)
With an overall theme of intimacy with the Living God being reflected in Glorious, the album features songs co-written with Michael W. Smith, Brenton Brown, Meredith Andrews, Jason Ingram, Ben Gowell and Rita Baloche. Produced by Baloche and Gowell, the album also features the radio single, “Just To Be With You,” which is already garnering acclaim from radio programmers across the country.
Having served as the Worship Pastor at Community Christian Fellowship in Lindale, TX for 20 consecutive years, Baloche is regarded as one of the preeminent worship writers of the contemporary Church. He has written some of this generation’s most compelling worship songs, including “Open The Eyes of My Heart,” “Hosanna,” “Your Name,” “Above All,” “Offering,” “All The Earth Will Sing Your Praises,” “Our God Saves” and “Because of Your Love.” With 19 CCLI current Top 500 songs to his credit, his songs are literally sung by millions of people each week in churches around the world.
In addition to writing, recording, touring and serving as a worship pastor, Baloche has created a variety of instructional DVDs for worship leaders and musicians and has written a book, God Songs –How to Write and Select Songs for Worship. He is a contributing writer for both Worship Leader and Worship Musician magazines and a popular conference speaker, most recently serving as an instructor for Integrity Music’s “Deeper: The Worship Sessions” national seminars. Baloche is also a writer/artist for CompassionArt, a charity dedicated to seeing works of art generate income for the relief of suffering around the planet.
Nashville, Tenn., October 1, 2009 – Two-time Dove Award winning Paul Baloche is one of today’s most influential worship leaders and songwriters. Glorious, his eighth collection of new worship songs, releases Nov. 3 on Integrity Music and features co-writes with Michael W. Smith, Brenton Brown, Meredith Andrews, Jason Ingram, Ben Gowell and Rita Baloche. In addition to the CD, worship resources for Glorious include a print and digital songbook, CD trax and more.
Having served as the Worship Pastor at Community Christian Fellowship in Lindale, TX for 20 consecutive years, Baloche is regarded as one of the preeminent worship writers of the contemporary Church. He has written some of this generation’s most compelling worship songs, including “Open The Eyes of My Heart,” “Hosanna,” “Your Name,” “Above All,” “Offering,” “All The Earth Will Sing Your Praises,” “Our God Saves” and “Because of Your Love.” With several No. 1 radio hits and 19 CCLI current Top 500 songs to his credit, his songs are literally sung by millions of people each week in churches around the world.
But the success and accolades are not what drive this faithful songwriter. “I don’t want to rely on clichés or crank out Christian jingles,” says Baloche. “I’ve tried to wipe the etch-a-sketch clean for this record and force myself to go deeper in this season of my life, wrestling with the words and music that will help congregations connect with God to help strengthen their relationships, families, and communities. For better or worse, the songs we are singing in our services are going down deep into the core of our hearts and forming our theology. For this reason, I want every song on this record to matter, to be biblical, have relevance and carry spiritual weight.”
With an overall theme of intimacy with the Living God being reflected in Glorious, the title track, co-written with Brenton Brown, points people beyond the cross, pushing them to look further inside the mystery of the gospel.
“God is a living Savior; He is Glorious. Sometimes we lose this… the adventure of being led by a living, active God and having an expectant heart,” reflects Baloche. “My pastor says that when we sing ‘Glorious,’ it feels like the answer to the longing in ‘Open the Eyes of My Heart’.” (“Open the Eyes of My Heart” is Baloche’s most widely sung and well-known song, currently at No. 6 on the CCLI chart.)
Look inside the mystery
See the empty cross
See the risen Savior
Victorious and strong
…Glorious my eyes have seen the glory of the Lord
Produced by Baloche and band member Ben Gowell, who co-wrote “You Saved Us” on the album, Glorious also features additional production by Michael Rossback and Jason Ingram (Bebo Norman, Rush Of Fools, Tenth Avenue North, Jim Brickman). Baloche further co-wrote the first radio single, “Just To Be With You,” with Ingram. The single is already garnering acclaim from radio programmers across the country.
“With so much uncertainty all around us, it can be so easy to lose sight of what we really need - just to be with Him,” says Joe Buchanan, Network Music Director, New Life Media. “I can’t wait to encourage our listeners with this great song! Thanks, Paul, for another well written song with an incredible and timely message!”
Baloche shares the songwriting responsibilities with several other writers on this album, including his wife Rita. Together, they co-wrote the song “Wonderful God,” and Rita wrote the song “Shaken.” Glorious also features a duet with Meredith Andrews on “How Great is The Love,” written by Baloche and Andrews. Notably, this year’s Dove Award winning song, “A New Hallelujah,” was co-written with Michael W. Smith. Known in Christian music circles for cultivating a sense of community among writers, Baloche is also a writer/artist for CompassionArt, a charity dedicated to seeing works of art generate income for the relief of suffering around the planet.
Playing the new songs from Glorious on the road, Baloche was the featured worship leader at the annual NRB Convention, the annual Southern Baptist Convention and the Saddleback Worship Conference.
In addition to writing, recording, touring and serving as a worship pastor, Baloche has created a variety of instructional DVDs for worship leaders and musicians and has written a book, God Songs –How to Write and Select Songs for Worship. He is a contributing writer for both Worship Leader and Worship Musician magazines and a popular conference speaker, most recently serving as an instructor for Integrity Music’s “Deeper: The Worship Sessions” national seminars. For more information on Paul Baloche, go to www.paulbaloche.com, www.leadworship.com and www.integritymusic.com.
Glorious Track listing:
1. Glorious
2. You Have Saved Us
3. Just To Be With You
4. Wonderful God
5. How Great Is The Love
6. To The Cross
7. Today Is The Day
8. Shaken
9. We Will Hold On
10. Almighty
11. A New Hallelujah
OurGodSaves.com is launching in conjunction with the September 18 release of Our God Saves, the upcoming album and current radio single from award-winning Integrity Music recording artist/worship leader Paul Baloche. Inspired by the lyrics of “Our God Saves,” co-written by Baloche and Brenton Brown, the site provides an online Christian community where visitors can encourage and uplift others by sharing their testimonies.
Paul Baloche is one of the foremost worship writers of our time. His songs, including “Open The Eyes Of My Heart,” “Above All,” “Hosanna” and “All The Earth Will Sing Your Praises,” are sung by millions around the globe. “Above All” garnered a Dove Award in 2002 for Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year, and Baloche received nominations in 2007 for Inspirational Album of the Year (A Greater Song) and Special Event Album (Arise – A New Celebration of Worship). In addition to leading worship for congregations across the country and overseas, Baloche serves as an instructor for Seminars4Worship and other conferences, where he trains and mentors worship leaders, songwriters and musicians.
