As for Me and My House

On his third album, John Waller does an impressive job of putting his own personalized spin on modern praise music, and he's also capable of delivering widescreen worship numbers with Scripture-based lyrics and chant-along choruses — the buoyant “Yes” and the atmospheric “Our God Reigns Here” are bold, dramatic statements of faith. “Because God Is Good” — co-written with Third Day’s Mac Powell — combines a big, echoing title phrase with folksy textures in its verses. Waller shows himself capable of more intimate (yet equally reverent) expressions like “Man of the Valley” and “Someone Else’s Story.” A particular standout is “The Marriage Prayer,” an acoustic-centered duet with John’s wife Josee that seems destined to be a wedding day favorite. “Man of the Valley” also deserves notice for its gracefully drawn depiction of human weakness in the everyday world. Waller’s clear, slightly vibrato-tinged vocals capture both a sense of humility and exaltation. If you’re looking for an alternative to worship music excess, As for Me and My House feels like the right destination.