Bethel Music artist and gold certified singer-songwriter Josh Baldwin has released his long awaited fifth studio album, Where the Glory Is. The deeply personal record is a reflection of Baldwin’s journey with the Lord and is inspired by classic worship albums he listened to during his formative years. Where The Glory Is serves as a reminder that God is always with us, even if there are times that it does not seem that way.
“It feels amazing for these songs to finally be out and available, reminding listeners of their history with the Lord,” shares Baldwin. “My greatest hope is that the lyrics in these songs would bring to mind all the times that He has shown up in their lives, and it would serve as an encouragement and a reminder that He is and always has been faithful.”
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Feels Like Worship in the Woods| Posted October 20, 2022 What You Need to Know
Bethel Music recording artist, Josh Baldwinhas been a featured artist and worship leader on Bethel Music's collective worship albums (with songs like "Praises (Be Lifted Up)"). He has had Christian radio success in the past few years with his singles "Standing In Your Love," which earned him two K-LOVE Award nominations in 2019, and "Evidence" the lead single from his 2020 album of the same title. Now, Josh has released his latest full-length album, Where The Glory Is on October 21, 2022. Josh released songs "Where The Glory Is," "I See the Light, "Narrow Road," and "There Is Freedom" in anticipation of the full album.
What It Sounds Like Where The Glory Is has lots of 4-on-the-floor kick drum, heavy strumming acoustic guitars that hold down the rhythm, piano moments that make you feel like you're in church ("Every Hour") and gang vocals in the background vocals ("There Is Freedom," "Resurrection Day"). It feels like Country twang meets corporate worship, or arena concert meets friends singing around a bonfire.
That's due to the nature of the album's production. It feels rustic and woodsy ("Narrow Road," "Fresh Fire Fresh Wind") while having big atmospheric elements that make you feel like you are enveloped into the sound ("Where The Glory Is"). But it's also due to Josh's Folk/Country vocal style and the anthemic nature of the songs. From the first note on the album, your attention is captured, and you're encouraged to participate, simply by the energetic, worshipful atmosphere these songs create.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
You can tell that Josh really cares about singing the truth and hope of our faith in Jesus and getting that truth into our hearts. There are lots of themes about freedom, resurrection, what Jesus has done for us, and rising up to live in the reality of that. This theme is especially evident in songs like "Where The Glory Is," "Resurrection Day," and "The Power of His Love."
Best Song On The Record
I'm giving best song to "Narrow Road." Referencing Jesus' words in Matthew 7:13-14, the lyrics acknowledge that the road of walking with Jesus in this world can be difficult, lonely, and wearisome sometimes, but Jesus is with us just like He promised to be. And He leads us, steadies us, and keeps us going. I appreciate the honesty about the challenges of walking with Jesus and the sweetness of meeting Jesus in the middle of those challenges.
In the chorus, Josh sings: You said it'd be a narrow road/You said it'd be a narrow road/So why am I surprised when it seems on my own/You said it'd be a narrow road/This world would never be my home/The journey might be lonely but I'd never be alone/I'll never be alone
This song, in particular, has that rustic folk sound I mentioned earlier and it's the perfect fit sonically for the lyrical theme.
Final Word
I became even more of a Josh Baldwin fan listening to this album and I believe it's his best work yet. Where The Glory Is will make you feel like you're at a cabin in the woods, singing about life with Jesus with some friends. These songs blend tenderness, passion, and hope and will make you want to sing truth at the top of your lungs.
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