Celebrating 20 years of music and ministry, modern worship trailblazer Paul Baloche is one of today’s most influential worship leaders, songwriters and mentors. The Same Love, Baloche’s 12th recording with Integrity Music—releases March 13th. Co-produced with Ben Gowell and Michael Rossback, The Same Love forges a progressive path musically, while delivering 13 compelling tracks composed in community with accomplished songwriters Ben Fielding, Kari Jobe, Lincoln Brewster, Jason Ingram, Ed Kerr and All Sons & Daughters among others.
Best known for such modern classics as “Open the Eyes of My Heart,” “Above All,” “Hosanna,” and “Your Name,” Paul Baloche’s songs have been recorded by numerous artists, including Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, Matt Redman and Philips, Craig & Dean. And the three-time Dove Award-winning writer’s songs are sung by millions of worshipers around the world, with 21 of them included in the CCLI Top 500 list, indicating the songs most often used in North American churches.
In addition to co-writing, joining Baloche on vocals for The Same Love are Kari Jobe, who sings on “Look Upon the Lord,” One Sonic Society’s Jason Ingram, who sings on “Reign in Me,” All Sons & Daughters on “King of Heaven” and “Oh Our Lord” and Brothers McClurg on “Just Say.” Kathryn Scott lends her vocals on “My Hope” and Hillsong’s Ben Fielding joins Baloche on “We Are Saved,” which was mixed by GRAMMY Award-winning engineer Chris Lord-Alge (U2/Switchfoot). Lord-Alge also mixes the title track, the touchstone for the entire album and first single from the project, co-written by Baloche and Michael Rossback.
“God is not this impersonal force,” Paul says. “The truth is that from creation to the crucifixion, God has been calling us – by name. He’s giving us a challenge, calling us to the cross, asking, ‘Are you ready to give up your way of doing things? Come as you are, pick up your cross daily and I will transform your life.’”
The Same Love also gives voice to the spoken and unspoken prayers of people in times of need. “Life is hard, people are looking for hope, and there’s not much to be found outside of the hope we have in Christ,” says Baloche. “My intent is for these songs to be honest prayers for the Church to sing, songs that give people a means of expression, songs that facilitate a conversation with God.”
In addition to writing, recording, touring and serving as a worship pastor, Baloche has created a variety of teaching DVDs, along with many free resources designed specifically for worship leaders and musicians. He has also written a book, God Songs –How to Write and Select Songs for Worship. He is a contributing writer for both Worship Leader and Worship Musician magazines and is a featured blogger on ChurchLeaders.com.
For more information on Paul Baloche, visit www.leadworship.comand and www.integritymusic.com.
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