John Waller
“The Blessing”
Beach Street Records
10 tracks @ 45:55
Grade = A

            I’m wondering if something’s in the air (spring?) because I’ve reviewed a lot of great music this month.  Here’s another one.  I don’t know how an artist scores such accolades but Waller has been named one of Billboard magazine’s “Faces to Watch” in its “Best Bets 2007” issue.  It is well-deserved.

            Waller was in the band According to John.  Mark Hall of Casting Crowns helped Waller secure a solo recording deal.

            I really like the lyrics in “Calling For a Flood;” “flood all my emptiness with you.”

Other standout tracks include “Identity,” the legacy-themed “The Blessing,” “Love to Say Your Name” and “Sacred Pages.”  That song features Mark Miller of Sawyer Brown on vocals, which might explain it’s “pinch-of-country’ flavor and some nice mandolin.  “Love to Say Your name” is very cool in its use of the variety of names we humans use for God.  Nearly every song lists a scripture reference/inspiration.

- Rob S.

www.JohnWallerMusic.com
www.BeachStreetRecords.com