Worship recordings are a dime a dozen. And for my nickel few do it finer than Glenn Kaiser. This third installment of Glenn's worship songs reveals a further maturity that's refreshing. With two previous worship projects All My Days and Throw Down Your Crowns under his belt, No Greater Love testifies the third time is a treat.
Kaiser only pens (or contributes to) five of the dozen tracks, but his well-traveled voice autographs ten of them with a touch of authenticity and heart. Only one song "Come Before the Lord" is neither authored nor features Kaiser's vocals. The and friends in this worship project are other JPUSA worship leaders. Tom Crozier, Mike Troxel, Scott Knies, Aracely Bock, to name a few--who have obviously impressed Glenn, according to the liner notes. Their contributions only strengthen this compilation.
To be honest, few songs in this project seem suitable for corporate worship, even though that's their original purpose. The track record of these tunes suggests they've successfully been used in JPUSA churches. And there are a few that certainly have potential use, congregationally ( "Come Behold" is probably the best pick). Personally, I find the value of this project more in private worship. Each one leads to the throne and serves well as meditation music. I found myself wanting to just soak in silence as I dined upon each song.
Lyrically, the messages are clear. A call to worship ("None Like You"). Standing firm in the face of trial and tragedy ("The One I've Trusted" ). The sovereignty ("No Other , God In Sky Above") and sacrifice ("No Greater Love") of God. The confession of Christ as Lord ("I Bow") and the Holy Spirit as Guide (" Holy Spirit, Move In Me"). This hymnal of hope is rich in liturgy ("The Communion Song") and legacy ("Lord of the Wind and the Waves").
For those who enjoy Kaiser's work with Rez or as a master blues man will find little here in that vein. This isn't a rock 'n' roll work. But if you're seeking solid songs to gently guide you home on this side of Heaven, No Greater Love is a worthy ticket.
4.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Alex KlagesThe JPUSA community, as a worshipping community, has developed some of its own worship music. On this album, we are invited to share in some worship time with them. The music is, not surprisingly, more quiet in tone and performance style than any of the REZ projects Kaiser has been on, and most of his other music as well. It is this quietness that is at once the greatest strength and the biggest…Similar sounding releases
1997Keith RosenhagenThe Other Side
2000Martyn JosephThunder and Rainbows
2000SeedsParables, Prayers, and Songs
1995Rich MullinsBrother's Keeper
1995Bruce CarrollOne Summer Evening... Live
2000Andrew PetersonCarried AlongMore from Glenn Kaiser
1999Blues Heaven: The Best of Glenn Kaiser's Blues
1999Time Will Tell
1993All My Days
1997Throw Down Your Crowns
1994Spontaneous Combustion
1998You Made the Difference in Me
