Brenton Brown [Our God Is Near]
By KevinDavis_NRT | Released On March 22, 2011 | Published September 18, 2026 | Last Edited By: KevinDavis_NRT
Brenton Brown, one of the most gifted of worship leaders and writers at work today returns March 22, 2011 with a new album full of standout songs, Our God Is Near. From the writer of “Adoration” and “Everlasting God” comes a stunning brand new album that will strengthen and inspire the church the world over. Our God Is Near features new worship songs “Our God Is Mercy,” “Joyful,” “Glorious” and “We Lift You Up.” The first single released from the highly anticipated album is “Joyful.” I have loved the hymn “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” based on Beethoven’s 9th symphony since I was a young child. Recently Casting Crowns also recorded a re-write of the classic hymn “Joyful, Joyful.” Brenton Brown’s great new recording of this hymn of the faith “Joyful” is a wonderful way to lift up your voice in praise and adoration of our Savior. He came to earth to teach us how to be more like Him and to die for our sins to save us. Share the love of Jesus with your unsaved friends and family members and tell them the reason for the “hope and joy” in your heart, Jesus!
The album features the great worship anthem co-written with Paul Baloche, “Glorious,” which also appeared on Baloche’s last album. Brown and Baloche have been a prolific songwriting team having also co-written the church standards, “Because Of Your Love,” “Hosanna (Praise Is Rising),” and “Our God Saves.” “His Name” grabbed me right away with Brenton’s imploring and confessional declaration, “Who is this King of Glory?...His Name is Wonderful, His Name is Counselor, His Name is Prince of Peace, The Living Word, His Name is Mighty God, Eternal Father, His Name is Jesus, His Name is Lord!”
For me, the highlights of this extremely solid album are the last three songs, including my two favorite songs, “Higher” and “Good News.” Musically, both songs really get me excited to worship along with Brenton. “Higher” has a great upbeat chorus that declares, “You are Higher, You Are Higher, The Beginning, and The Ending, Everlasting, Neverending, Jesus we are held in Your Hands. “Good News” has a classic U2-like musical style and is the best re-write of John 3:16 I’ve ever heard. “All For You” ends the album with a beautiful and personal ballad, and Brenton tenderly sings to our triune God, “Jesus this is all for You, Father this is all for You, How Your children love to bless Your Heart…Spirit this is all for You…How we long to magnify our God…It’s all for You, It’s all for You Lord.”
CLOSING THOUGHTS Don’t miss any of these great new songs. Brenton’s best overall work is this excellent new album Our God Is Near. Brenton’s strength is the strong biblical truth of his songs, and he prays and calls upon our King Jesus in every single song. There is absolutely no doubt Who these songs are about. Brenton enthusiastically sings Brit-rock style praise and worship and every single song could be added to your Sunday morning worship set.
CLOSING THOUGHTS Don’t miss any of these great new songs. Brenton’s best overall work is this excellent new album Our God Is Near. Brenton’s strength is the strong biblical truth of his songs, and he prays and calls upon our King Jesus in every single song. There is absolutely no doubt Who these songs are about. Brenton enthusiastically sings Brit-rock style praise and worship and every single song could be added to your Sunday morning worship set.