The Same Love (album)
The Same Love is the seventh studio album by Christian Contemporary Christian music-worship musician Paul Baloche. The album released on March 13, 2012 by Integrity Media, and it was produced by Ben Gowell and Michael Rossback. The album charted at No. 30 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart. In addition, the album garnered critical acclaim.
| The Same Love | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | March 13, 2012[1] | |||
| Genre | Contemporary Christian music, Worship | |||
| Length | 1:00:26[1] | |||
| Label | Integrity | |||
| Producer | Ben Gowell,[1] Michael Rossback[1] | |||
| Paul Baloche chronology | ||||
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Music and lyrics
Barry Westman of All About Worship told that the album contains "a batch of fresh, powerful, creative new songs for the church."[2] In addition, Allmusic's Robert Ham said that the "songs build and build until they overflow with choruses that sound amazing when sung by a huge group of people", and stated that "Loud or soft, Baloche knows how to pull at the spirit, calling for listeners to lift up their voices and join in."[1] At CCM Magazine, Andrew Greer wrote that the music comes from "a modern worship waymaker, Baloche's twelfth recording offers his most distinctive songs and relevant production to date [...] a heady statement considering his two decade catalog of church staples like 'Your Name' and 'Hosana.'"[3] Also, Greer felt that with "modern electric and acoustic trends, his engaging vocal, plus co-writes and guest vocals by Kari Jobe and All Sons & Daughters add hip factor."[3]
At Cross Rhythms, Doug Holland stated that Baloche tends to get "into the song very quickly, with straightforward and grand lyrical ideas helping to build swiftly to a big guitar-driven chorus."[4] Jonathan Andre of Indie Vision Music highlighted that "The Same Love shows a maturity in Paul’s writing, as he combines simple melodies and honest lyrics with ingenious instrumental arrangements."[5] At New Release Tuesday, Dawn Teresa told that Baloche is "the sensitive singer-songwriter with heartfelt songs ... and this CD is sure to capture listeners' hearts and radio programmers' ears."[6] Lastly, Jono Davies of Louder Than the Music stated that "there is a great mix of styles and tempos here which is interesting to listen to musically and again Paul does what he does best, singing lyrics that tell the listener how great God is."[7]
Christian Music Zine's Joshua Andre wrote that "this album can literally be sung in the church. With more collaborations, co-writes and guest vocals on this album than any other he has done, for me Paul has raised the bar higher than ever on 'The Same Love', which I am sure has the potential to be a classic worship album in 10 or so years."[8] However, The Citizen's Bruce Dennill told that "given the congregational context he’s writing for, such a start all but guarantees a good reception, but it’s not necessarily interesting from a listening point of view."[9] With respect to vocals, Dave Urbanski of Christianity Today told that "Baloche's moody vocals are reminiscent of Switchfoot's Jon Foreman, which blends well with the album's modern-rock vibe."[10] Also, Davies of Louder Than the Music wrote that "there is a fresh hint of youthfulness in his voice, how he has done this I don't know, but all I can say is his voice sounds in top tune for this album" with his "vocals sounding as fresh and strong".[7]
Critical reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| All About Worship |   |
| Allmusic |  |
| CCM Magazine | |
| Christian Music Zine | 4.75/5[8] |
| Christianity Today | |
| The Citizen | |
| Cross Rhythms | |
| Indie Vision Music | |
| Louder Than the Music | |
| New Release Tuesday | |
The Same Love garnered acclaim by music critics. All About Worship's Barry Westman called it an "amazing album."[2] Robert Ham of Allmusic felt that Baloche "doesn't need to tweak the formula one iota."[1] At CCM Magazine, Andrew Greer told that "the lyrical heart of Love is timeless, providing career trends are second to truth telling for Baloche, one of the industry's true worship pioneers."[3] Joshua Andre of Christian Music Zine proclaimed the album to be a "truly [...] magnificent masterpiece!"[8] Furthermore, Andre felt that it is "a work of art, nothing short of amazing!"[8]
At Christianity Today, Dave Urbanski highlighted that the release contains "pitch-perfect production, a heavenward focus—The Same Love delivers the goods."[10] The Citizen's Bruce Dennill wrote that "a firm musical foundation is essential when writing lyrics that overlap thematically, and The Same Love combines everything well."[9] At Cross Rhythms, Doug Holland felt that "whether it will be embraced by the Church to quite the same extent remains to be seen."[4] Jonathan Andre of Indie Vision Music told that "well done Paul for this worship experience!"[5]
Louder Than the Music's Jono Davies affirmed that he "would highly recommend this album to anybody", and that the release contains "many more gems as good as that title track".[7] At New Release Tuesday, Dawn Teresa called this a "steadfast, earnest offering in which he, like his biblical namesake, points us again and again to the Gospel, the good news that is Jesus Christ", and noted that "from beginning to end, the album's gaze never shifts."[6] In addition, Teresa wrote that "for worship music that is genuine and leaves plenty of quiet for prayer and reflection, and for God to move, look no further than Paul Baloche" for "a top-notch worship album."[6]
Commercial performance
The album was the No. 30 Top Christian Albums sold in the United States by Billboard, for the week of March 31, 2012.[1]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Same Love" | Paul Baloche, Michael Rossback | 4:31 |
| 2. | "We Are Saved" | Baloche, Ben Fielding, Jason Ingram | 4:08 |
| 3. | "King of Heaven" | Baloche, Ingram | 4:47 |
| 4. | "All Because of the Cross" | Baloche, Ben Gowell, Robert Lowery | 4:54 |
| 5. | "Your Blood Ran Down" | Baloche | 2:34 |
| 6. | "My Hope" | Baloche, Ed Kerr, Alyssa Mellinger, Sheila Rabe | 5:13 |
| 7. | "Oh Our Lord" | Baloche, Leslie Jordan, David Leonard | 5:15 |
| 8. | "Christ the Lord" | Baloche, Charles Wesley | 4:38 |
| 9. | "Reign in Me" | Baloche, Ingram | 5:13 |
| 10. | "Just Say" | Baloche, Anthony Hoisington, Chris Hoisington | 4:08 |
| 11. | "Loved by You" | Baloche, Lincoln Brewster | 4:24 |
| 12. | "Look Upon the Lord" | Baloche, Ingram, Kari Jobe | 5:25 |
| 13. | "Shout for Joy" | Baloche, Brewster, Ingram | 5:16 |
| Total length: | 1:00:26 | ||
Personnel
- Paul Baloche – lead and backing vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar
- Ben Gowell – acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, banjo, lap steel guitar, keyboards, programming, percussion, backing vocals
- Michael Rossback – electric guitar, pedal steel guitar, keyboards, programming, bass, percussion, trumpet, glockenspiel, backing vocals
- Carl Albrecht – drums, percussion
Production
- Producers and Engineers – Ben Gowell and Michael Rossback
- Executive Producer – C. Ryan Dunham
- A&R – Jay King
- Assistant Engineers – Gary Leech, Roy Salmond and Rusty Varenkamp.
- Mixing – Ben Gowell, Ainslie Grosser, Sean Moffitt and Shane Wilson.
- Mastered by Dan Shike
Charts
| Chart (2012) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Christian Albums (Billboard)[11] | 30 |
References
- Ham, Robert (March 13, 2013). "The Same Love - Paul Baloche". Allmusic. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
- Westman, Barry (March 12, 2012). "The Same Love, Paul Baloche - Album Review". All About Worship. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
- Greer, Andrew (May 1, 2012). "Paul Baloche: The Same Love (Integrity)". CCM Magazine. p. 52. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
- Holland, Doug (September 8, 2012). "Review: The Same Love - Paul Baloche". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
- Andre, Jonathan (April 16, 2012). "Paul Baloche – The Same Love | Reviews". Indie Vision Music. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
- Teresa, Dawn (March 13, 2012). "Look Upon the Lord". New Release Tuesday. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
- Davies, Jono (February 20, 2012). "Reviews - Paul Baloche - The Same Love". Louder Than the Music. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
- Andre, Joshua (March 12, 2012). "Paul Baloche – The Same Love (Review)". Christian Music Zine. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
- Dennill, Bruce (September 18, 2012). "Paul Baloche – The same love - Winning combination". The Citizen. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
- Urbanski, Dave (March 13, 2013). "Paul Baloche: The Same Love". Christianity Today. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
- "Paul Baloche Chart History (Christian Albums)". Billboard.