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Powerful Worship Anthems| Posted September 15, 2016
"Open The Eyes Of My Heart," "Above All," "Hosanna:" 3 time Dove Award-winning worship leader/songwriter Paul Baloche has had a few big hits in his career. Artists such as Kari Jobe, Michael W. Smith and Lincoln Brewster have recorded these songs, making them some of the most popular worship anthems around the world. So how does an artist with that kind of history keep up? He simply continues to faithfully create powerful worship music for the local and global Church.
Paul's last worship project, Live, released in 2014. Now two years later, he returns with Your Mercy, an organic worship experience recorded in New York City created to draw listeners closer to God. Your Mercy was also recorded as a tool for the local church, with songs that are a beautiful addition to any worship service and feature guest vocals from local worship leaders.
Upbeat "Psalm 92 (It Is Good)" comes straight out of Scripture and opens the album with an elegant piano melody against the background of a strong guitar riff. "Once For All" and "We Come To You Jesus" both speak of the beauty and grace found in the sacrifice Jesus made for us at the cross, similar to how "Found In You" and "More Than I Deserve" center on the fullness of Christ that allows us to find everything we need in Him alone.
A highlight on the album, hopeful "I Will Worship You," praises God for His faithfulness in both our sorrows and joys. Another strong point, the worshipful title track is a moment of heartfelt adoration for the mercy that meets us where we are and rescues us: "You saw my steps / You felt my fears / You heard my cries / You caught my tears / arms open wide You ran to me with Your mercy."
A powerful call to worship, "Songs Of The People" and "God Evermore" would both fit well in any church service. "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (We Turn)" nods to the classic hymn of the same name, much like "To The Cross I Come," which features a gorgeous female vocal and incorporates parts of the hymn "Just As I Am." "Peace On Earth" brings the album to a close with a timely prayer: "Blind to injustice, we've turned our eyes / Lord hear our brokenness, raise us to life."
The Bottom Line:Your Mercy comes through as a powerful album from start to finish, keeping Paul's place as one of the best worship leaders in the industry secure. Lyrically Your Mercy has quite a few gems that, mixed with Paul's steady voice and worshipful melodies, create a gift for listeners to sing along with in passionate praise.
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