The Same Love

At this point in his already thriving career as a worship leader and songwriter, Paul Baloche doesn't need to tweak the formula one iota. He knows what his fans and the congregation at his church in Texas want: songs build and build until they overflow with choruses that sound amazing when sung by a huge group of people. And, for the most part, on his seventh studio effort, that's exactly what he provides. Tracks like "Shout for Joy" and "We Are Saved" ratchet up the volume and intensity as they move along, dipping back down into an emotional bridge before slamming the gas pedal down into a final rousing chorus. All well and good, but the most affecting songs here tend to be the ones that stray from that path. The simple combination of piano, strings, and Baloche's strong vocals on "Your Blood Ran Down" makes for a lovely, meditative moment. The same is true of "Just Say," which adds a female vocal counterpoint and a steady, understated drumbeat to the mix. Loud or soft, Baloche knows how to pull at the spirit, calling for listeners to lift up their voices and join in.