Crossway Records
Release Date: January 3rd 2012
Reviewed by Joshua Andre
Are you guys all up for a New Year’s Day present? How about a review of one of my favourite worship albums of the past few months? Canadian worship artist Jon Bauer is no stranger to the Christian worship industry. Jon has 3 studio albums to his credit, each of them garnering praise and various forms of nominations in the GMA (Gospel Music Association) Canada Covenant Awards. He has also lent his vocals in children’s CD’s, something Aussie Colin Buchanan is well known for. So I was scratching my head when I finished listening to his US debut album, his fourth in his career, as I figured ‘This guy should have been on a major label by now!’. It is clear throughout the songs that Jon’s song-writing abilities is remarkable; with a similar likening to Mark Hall of Casting Crowns. With a voice similar in style to Reuben Morgan of Hillsong, and Brenton Brown, Jon has single-handedly woven together 10 worship moments. Added to that, Forevermore is produced by Dove Award-winning producer Rusty Varenkamp, who has Tenth Avenue North and Meredith Andrews as his credits, and also features 8 songs written or co-written by Jon himself. From listening to this album, I would class Jon as one of Canada’s finest worship leaders, maybe even songwriters, just behind Marc Martel and Jason Germain of Downhere. Brace yourselves America, you are in for a treat! And if you do not want to wait until the 3rd Jan 2012 for the US release date, there is always iTunes and Amazon mp3, where the album has been since Octobe
First impressions are always key, and Jon’s opener ‘Our God’ packs a mighty good one. Starting off with guitar riffs, Our God soon crescendos to an all-out worship anthem, with Jon’s strong vocals complementing the praise tune nicely. Jon never shies away from vertical worship, declaring that ‘…and we admit, we need You now, and like the wind, we’re nothing without Your power…Our God, we come surrender, our God You reign in wonder, all things in the glory of Our God…’. The gang vocals also give the song a nice ‘live touch’ to this catchy song. Jon has expertly created a song for the ages, to be sung in churches everywhere. And with a bridge declaring that God is like no other, maybe the church will hear of Jon’s music sooner than you think.
The radio friendly ‘Light of Another World’ is next, and I was familiar with this song, after hearing it on ‘Jesus Wired’. A pop/rock sound on a standout track that left me wanting more. ‘Light of Another World’ encourages me; as Jon prayerfully explores how we should trust God with everything. Describing a picture of what heaven may look like: ‘…where the last will be first, where the weak will be strong, in the light of another world…’ Jon effortlessly interweaves metaphorical imagery and the right mix of the instruments to create a place where the listener can just soak in the presence of God. Jon does not push the spotlight onto him, always focusing on Jesus and what He has done. Bauer proclaims ‘Jesus help me search for answers, in a world that’s not my own, cause I was made to know You and live to make You known…’ and I was speechless after that song. Jon is a masterful storyteller.
The hits do not stop there. ‘Come and Save Us’ is a rock type track, and one that had me dancing, as Jon shouts out ‘You are the God, the God of these children, You are the God who saves!’. Heavy with guitars, this is something that would have fitted in nicely as a Chris Tomlin staple in the Passion Conferences. Jon follows on the themes of the first two tracks- while rocky, the heart and core of this song is a prayer for God to save us in times of trouble, of trusting that because He has conquered the grave, nothing is impossible with him. Following on is the slower ballad, ‘Beautiful Name’, where Jon tells the listener that Jesus is the beautiful name that we can cry upon when we do not understand things around us, whether it be suffering of the world or turmoil in our own lives. Jesus doesn’t promise us to take away the storms, however when we call upon Him, he will promise us that he is always us there, guiding us through everything. The fact that the song is acoustically played also brings out the beauty of Jon’s voice, and the message of God’s loving character. Jon also almost sings like Jon Micah Sumrall from Kutless- both in voice and song subject, another nice achievement. As the song crescendos, Jon breaks out into spontaneous worship, and why not? To a God who is all He says He is? It’s so simple yet so effective.
One of the songs, ‘A Prayer Away’, was especially touching to me, with Jon declaring that God is always there for us. He will provide healing if we ask- he is ‘…just a prayer away, there is hope and peace and perfect love…’. A worthy ballad that may not have been uncommon in King David’s time. I couldn’t be helped but be encouraged and inspired after listening to this track, as Jon tells listeners that there is forgiveness in Jesus. You can come as you are and God will accept you. He is all we need and he is closer than we think. The repetitiveness of the line ‘a prayer away’ made me think about the message of the song, that God is never too far. The danceable track ‘Chasing After Me’ also is a favourite. A track similar in style to Francesca Battistelli’s ‘This is the Stuff’, Jon puts on his ‘groovy hat’ in this song, while still proclaiming the gospel. God will chase after us, not demanding we love and accept him, but rather wooing us to himself via the Holy Spirit. When we finally catch God’s love we won’t know what hit us. The theme of free will is explored through the lyrics of this song as well, and the happy sounding music certainly did not detract me from the lyrics as originally thought. In fact, I found myself listening to the lyrics even more intently. Jon further announces that God’s love will never fade. Such a perfect truth! The sweet and soothing voice of American singer Laurell as a duet on this song is also welcome on this track.
The rising and powerful ballad ‘Fall Over Me’ is next, a track where Jon showcases his emotion laden worshipful heart. This is a reminder of God’s endless love for us; he always seeks out hearts. A simple song, Jon sings ‘…I need Your love to fall over me…’ Just about wanting to be in His presence, ‘Fall Over Me’ sums up the whole album, the lack of a build up enhancing the meaning of the song. A song where you can just close your eyes and worship Jesus.
Jon is as versatile on this album as anyone in the Christian worship genre. This is what makes the album so resonating with me. All the songs make great to listen to at home, and at church also. The title track is where Jon declares that God reigns forevermore and that glory, honour and power should be given ‘…to the one who carved out oceans in His hand…who gave his life to ransom man…’ ‘Life of Worship’, while in my opinion is the weakest track of the album, is still powerful in message ‘…may my life be worship, may my life be my song…’ as Jon speaks about how as Christians we need to live out Jesus every day, not just reserved him for Sunday mornings. Because once you are changed, you can’t help living life differently. Lastly, what more can a worshipper do than cover a song? The Paul Baloche written ‘Hosanna (Praise is Rising)’ is covered here by Jon, and this rendition is just what the album closer needed.
To sum up, Jon’s warm, emotive, powerful vocals and memorable melodies are just what every worshipper wants to aspire to. Do you want to listen to quality worship, in the vein of Passion Conferences? Look no further than Jon Bauer, a master at evoking emotions that one would have buried deep inside. Well done Jon. Every track has told a story, and all 10 have a clear overarching message. That God is God and we are His children. So there is no point in running because one day, we will all acknowledge Him. All 10 tracks, in my opinion, should be in the 2011 collection for any worship leader that is as accessible on a Sunday morning as it is on Monday’s iPhone. Well done Jon, may you have a blessed year ahead, you have most certainly earned it.
Score 4.25/5
Track Listing
1. Our God
2. Light Of Another World
3. Come And Save Us
4. Beautiful Name
5. Chasing After Me
6. A Prayer Away
7. Fall Over Me
8. Forevermore
9. Life Of Worship
10. Hosanna
Favourite Tracks: Our God, Come and Save Us, Chasing After Me, A Prayer Away
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