CD Reviews
FOREVERMORE CD REVIEW – 2012
Christianmusiczine – 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
http://christianmusiczine.com/jon-bauer-forevermore-review/
FOREVERMORE CD REVIEW – 2012
CROSSRYTHYMS – Reviewed by Neil Phipps
Jon Bauer is one of Canada’s most prominent worship leaders, having released four albums. ‘Forevermore’ is Jon’s first release in the UK. The album starts with punchy guitar riffs on “Our God” followed by the airplay-friendly “Light Of Another World”, which in turn is followed by the more rocking anthemic chords of “Come And Save Us”. The album continues to diversify and delight. Michael W Smith’s influence can be heard in “A Prayer Away”, but the highlight of this album is the title track, which builds wonderfully into a spirit of proclamation and worship and is strong enough to impact the world Church if it gets the exposure. Here, then, is an album which though stylistically similar to the work of Hughes or Tomlin and with strong production from Rusty Varenkamp could well take Jon to the next level of popularity.
Score 8/10
http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Jon_Bauer/Forevermore/122241/
Forevermore 2012 – CD Review – 2012
Canadian worship leader Jon Bauer has recently enjoyed success. He has already released several projects to Canadian iTunes, and now Jon releases his U.S debut, a ten-track album titled Forevermore. Passion rings out in Forevermore, which already features a couple of hit songs and church anthems.
The upbeat and exciting “Our God” opens the album, speaking of how there is “no one like our God,” and sings of His attributes. It’s a great start for the album, followed by “Light of Another World.” A brilliant track, it speaks of longing for Heaven, and speaks of how justice reigns there, and the things we see here on earth help us to know that “we were made for another world.”
“Come and Save Us” brings to mind Chris Tomlin’s “Our God,” though this song is more upbeat and fun as it speaks of how God is our Savior and deliverer. Musically, it has a Revive sentiment, and it’s repetitive lyrics are sure to get stuck in your head in no time. The serene “Beautiful Name” with booming bass speaks of the simple answer that we can find in Jesus Christ, the beautiful Name. It is a contemplative track that offers much hope.
The single “Chasing After Me” is a fun but simultaneously worshipful duet with Laurrel Barker (whose vocals definitely added a ton!). It’s comparable musically to Francesca Battistelli’s “This is the Stuff,” speaking of how God’s love chases after us and captures us. The stronger “A Prayer Away” speaks of how we often feel like God is so far away, but we can find Him by simply uttering a prayer. This touching song with a powerful message is only made more enjoyable by the backing strings.
“Fall On Me” has a classic feel to it, a plea for God to pour His power over us, while the heartfelt and timeless “Forevermore” is a track that makes it easy to sense the presence of God in every word. A prayer that our life would be our worship service to God, “Life of Worship” follows, with nice guitar work and tambourines. Based on Romans 12, “Life of Worship” has to have some of the best lyrics I’ve ever heard in a worship song – so Scriptural and right on. The upbeat “Hosanna” follows, a wonderful song of exaltation to our God. And if you’re wondering if it’s a worship song you’ve heard before, yes! It’s a cover of the version made popular by Aaron Gillespie on his worship project. Though personally, I would have to say in all, I have enjoyed Jon Bauer’s version more thoroughly.
Forevermore is a magnificent worship project! I’ll definitely be looking forward to hearing more from this polished singer/songwriter. The Scripture-packed songs, the musical variety, and the worship experience derived from one listen is well worth the listen.
http://www.jaysmusikblog.com/2012/01/jon-bauer-forevermore-review.html
Modern Worship Gets a Lift with Forevermore
Forevermore CD Review – 2012
The New Year often signals new sounds, but Jon Bauer’s Forevermore is a better fit for those still seeking the now-so-familiar-it’s-almost-too-easy hooks of commercialized modern worship. That’s no knock against this clearly talented, award-winning Canadian artist or this fifth effort (his first to be released in the U.S.); we’re just establishing context. And to Jon’s credit, there are enough creative ideas in this set to suggest he could be someone to freshen up the tiring genre.
The comparisons to Chris Tomlin are obvious on “Our God” (incidentally, not the same hit song from the Passion movement). Bauer has a clean, strong voice—he won the GMA Canada Covenant Award for Male Vocalist in 2008—but here it deals in relatively cliché lyrical turns. Far better is “Light of Another World” where the lesson of seeing earth as our temporary home is expressed with less obvious, more compelling turns of phrase.
A similar scenario plays out again from “Come and Save Us” to “Beautiful Name.” The former checks all the major boxes of corporate worship song styling while the latter breaks the mold with an atmospheric pop arrangement and vivid lyrics about how Jesus “whispers through the roar” into our chaotic lives, and how Christ hears even our softest whispers back to him.
That holy pursuit is also alive on Forevermore’s first single “Chasing After Me.” It may be the umpteenth tune to lift the essence of Train’s “Hey, Soul Sister” ukulele intro and Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” melodic breeziness, but the track is still catchy and especially fun in this instance with guy/girl vocals between Jon and fellow Canadian singer Laurell.
Other highlights include the grace-full “Fall Over Me” (for the same thoughtful, relaxed charms as “Beautiful Name”) and the slow burning title cut, a declarative praise anthem that soon enough erupts into a powerful moment.
Later selections “A Prayer Away” and “Life of Worship” feel written-by-numbers, not fully complementing the MercyMe and Casting Crowns influences clearly at hand. Fortunately, Bauer nails the landing on Forevermore; closer “Hosanna” is uniquely arranged and all-around more electrifying in loosened, jangling presentation. The fearlessness through faith that he’s singing about therein is convincing and could make worship music fans want to hear more.
http://www.crosswalk.com/culture/music/reviews/modern-worship-gets-a-lift-with-i-forevermore-i.html
FOREVERMORE CD REVIEW – 2012
ALPHA OMEGA NEWS – Reviewed by Rob S.
Jon Bauer is a worship leader from Canada. His current release, reviewed here, is up for a Juno Award for “Contemporary Christian Album of the Year.” Bauer will also join Michael W. Smith on tour during that singer’s swing through Canada. This is his fifth CD but according to his web site it’s his U.S. debut.
On his web site Bauer says, “My heart is to encourage people that worship is more than music. It’s a lifestyle, and it’s a choice,” Jon explains. “We need to look for ways to serve God and serve others, representing Him to this hurting world.”
Bauer’s sound is along the lines of Lincoln Brewster and Jeremy Camp. I hope “Light of Another World” finds wide use amongst the church-at-large. I also liked the lyric “No wonder why I feel so tired from escaping” in the song “Chasing After Me.”
Overall, “Fore Ever More” is fairly typical for the genre, but with his history, Jon Bauer has earned a fair amount of credibility that sets him apart from the majority of the field.
Score A-
http://alphaomeganews.org/content/2012/02/jon-bauer/
• SOCKSPIDER• USA- Jon Bauer – Surround CD – REVIEW – RATING – 10/10
Artwork/Design: 10
Production: 10+
Continuity: 10
Sound levels: 10
Songwriting: 10
Overall Rating: 10
Radio Tracks: 2, 3, 6, 9
Best Track: A Love to Die For
Former pastor, and teacher, Jon Bauer now travels throughout North America spreading the message of hope, grace, and redemption in song. Surround is his sophomore disc, and it shows a depth and understanding of the Christian faith while still being accessible to youth and new believers.
Rarely do you find an artist who does everything right at putting out a record while still keeping His word and ministry at the focal point. Jon Bauer masterfully blends a mixture of Pop and Praise & Worship, and he and Jeff Watt approach the level of craftsmanship of Chris Tomlin as songwriters.
Awaken certainly does just that to the listener as heavy guitars rock the intro. But then it opens up to Jon’s “now”-sounding lead vocal gently crooning a wonderfully melodic verse. The production of this song and the entire CD is top-notch and the counter melodies of the guitar arrangements are just stupendous. Awaken has a strong Chorus hook that can be sung in any church with a bit more mellow arrangement, but as a listener you will fall in love from the onset with the style and strong message that Jon brings to the table.
Call to Me is very heartfelt lyrically and you don’t want to miss His message while enthralled in the guitar laden arrangements. The middle bridge is brilliant, with production setting a mood that gives you Spiritual chills right before a catchy Jeff Watt guitar solo. The musical instrumentation is so good you nearly forget that Jon’s voice is the main instrument holding the song together. It really is a wonderful blend and an incredible job from the producers and engineers. The mix and mastering efforts enhance this sound to as good as any major label, if not better.
The title track, Surround, is a smooth production with another catchy chorus that definitely sticks with you (a goal of any praise and worship songwriter), but the production is so strong you forget that this is a praise and worship song. The last couple of minutes of Surround mesmerize the listener. You are literally surrounded in a wall of intricate complementing puzzle parts that fit together to create a picture-perfect song.
Holy Lord is a straightforward praise and worship song with lyrics and a melody that are congregational friendly. The backing vocals and worship choir are as good as you can find, and the vocal mixes certainly bring out these talented singers who enhance Jon’s very rich and smooth lead vocal. “Giver of Grace, there is no other one like You,” says it all. Jon mixes things up slightly by going acoustic on a song that certainly warrants such. But, again, production is never forgotten on this record as the song builds by the two minute mark with added instrumentation and fantastic female (Michelle Swift and Caris Rinas) backup vocals. The song ends with Jon and guitar, just as it started.
At track number six is the best cut on the album, A Love To Die For, a clever song giving to Him all of what we are for the God who gave His life for us. This needs to be on the radio for decades as it will stand the test of time, a well written song is just that. Michael W. Smith comes to mind when listening to this masterpiece; the quality and the ‘it’ factor are both there in spades. There is obvious pre-production programming involved in this venture and any good musician will do all they can digitally before they shell out the studio bucks. Most listeners don’t care about the nuts and bolts that make up a four minute track, but trust me, the level of commitment that Jon put forth in this final product was extreme. The material of Surround is so strong that this gem isn’t even included in the press kit.
Glorious to Me just keeps the hit parade marching along. The chorus hooks are just unmatched. What few will notice is that they are not hitting the skip button because Jon does not give into temptation and varies different styles, he stays steady, yet keeps it interesting. Continuity is something many artists do not adhere too, but again this well thought-out project has every single song in the right track slot.
You Are is reminiscent of Dana Key’s last solo CD, Part of the Mystery. Again, good company to be compared to. The jazzy guitar strumming certainly gives the listener a sense of variety without straying off too far, the Chorus reminds you that it’s still a praise song for Him, and just a tight woven track with strong female backups and adlibs. If you listen closely, you can hear mandolin.
It Was Your Love is not a normal next-to-last number, it’s a worshipful full song that has clever backups effects that I’ve heard employed by the masters of Pop in Sweden, Roxette. Did we mention Jon is a Canadian-based artist? His music reaches out to the world and his being a worship leader certainly takes the limelight in the final track, the famous Holy, Holy, Holy. Starting off with simple piano on the final track is smart and well placed, but it’s such a worshipful recording and the slight melodic arrangement complete with choir make this just icing on the cake of this incredible album.
The Lord is this album’s vision from start to finish, no compromise and His excellence is achieved. Jon is a solo artist, but he couldn’t do this alone, and he has surrounded himself with a phenomenal team, right down to the accompanying promotional interactive CD that plays five tracks and provides links to his videos, press clips, and bio. You can even download mp3s from it! We can anticipate perfect 10 after perfect 10 from Jon if the combination that comprises this CD stays intact. Surround stands up with anything produced (indie or label) in the last few years. It is a truly rare find.
Reviewed by Paul Gentry
sockspider.com
• PAUL DAVIS • UK- Jon Bauer – Surround CD – REVIEW
Listen with joy. Canada is quietly producing quality P&W talent that ranks well with its USA & UK brethren. Jon Bauer is a quality grassroots Worship Leader & Songwriter born and based in Alberta, Canada. He tours full-time internationally – singing, speaking and teaching on worship at conferences, churches, and schools. A passionate-voiced modern worshiper, he incorporates zeal with a natural vocal gifting into these impressive Alberta and Tennessee studio sessions. He’s up there among the best that I have heard in many a year! This solid album is a healthy dose of more upbeat, mainly self-penned, P&W songs. Plain-spoken worshipful lyrics aspire heavenward to a background of quality sessioners. Very welcome, an excellent mix that works magnificently. Vocal talent and an engaging passion lead into a blessed experience.
Reviewed by Paul Davis
www.pauldavisauthor.com www.newchristianmusic.co.uk
www.ncmradioshow.com www.ukcma.org
• thecelebritycafe.com • USA – Jon Bauer – Surround CD – REVIEW
As enjoyable to listen to as it is uplifting; Jon Bauer’s Surround is a very inspirational disc. I grew up in Baptist churches in the south, so at first glance, I thought Bauer’s Contemporary Christian approach would be a little too “light” for me. That feeling was soon replaced with his “calm” (compared to what I was used to listening to) approach. But once I heard his take on an old gospel “spiitchal” (spiritual … pronounced the old, southern way … two syllables only), “Holy, Holy, Holy,” I got the same feeling I did when I was a kid in church. Other highlights here include the harder edged “Awaken” and “A Love to Die For.” Surround is a great listen for those needing inspiration.
Reviewed by Ray Anderson
• AlphaOmegaNews.org • USA – Jon Bauer – Surround CD – REVIEW
My first impression was that this was a very professional worship CD. For an independent artist it had all the qualities of the prevalent modern worship leaders like Chris Tomlin. There is an intensive effort to make each song an epic masterpiece of praise and worship. I was particularly drawn to the excellent guitar playing on songs like “Call to Me,” “Surround,” and “A Love to Die For.” The quality and professionalism of the recording is equally matched by Bauer’s gift of songwriting. The bulk of “Surround” has a fresh sound for more contemporary church praise bands. The music however is just one part of Jon Bauer’s ministry. A good reason the songs are as accessible as they are is because Bauer wishes to equip churches with fresh songs. Bauer has an alternative site for worship leaders looking for chord charts and more. It can be found at www.jon-bauer.com/freeworship.php.
“Surround” is an excellent, purely original and spirited new project birthed from a heart of service and worship. For more information on Jon Bauer himself, his ministry, and music you can find him on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/jonbauerworship.
Reviewed by Ken W.
• CrossRhythyms.co.uk • United Kingdom – Jon Bauer – Life of Worship CD – REVIEW – RATING 9/10
Since the release of his debut album ‘Life Of Worship’ in 2003, Canadian worship leader Jon Bauer has won the Shai Award (Canada’s equivalent of the Dove Awards) for New Artist Of The Year and has been nominated for a variety of other awards. His latest release sees him in continuing good form and features 10 self-penned songs produced by Bauer and band members Dave Clo and Jeff Watt. Setting the tone for an album of high octane guitar-driven worship songs, proceedings kick off with the energetic call to worship “Awaken” before launching into “Call Me” which showcases Bauer’s ability to communicate God’s heart through song. The album takes a more gentle turn with the likes of “Holy Lord” and “Giver Of Grace” before closing with a pleasing version of the old hymn “Holy Holy Holy” complete with a rousing new coda from Bauer. This is a fine collection of new worship songs from an artist whose output just gets better and better.
Reviewed by Lins Honeyman
Crossrhythms
• AlphaOmegaNews.org • USA – Jon Bauer – Life of Worship CD – REVIEW
Canadian worship artist, Jon Bauer’s debut Life of Worship has a strong corporate worship sound. These are songs that would be perfect for the part-time or more semi-professional praise and worship team. This all makes sense considering Jon has led worship at Spruce Grove Alliance Church, his home church for over ten years.The title track tells it all when Jon sings about a life of worship, “May my life be my worship – My life be my song – May I praise you my Savior – All the day long.” This song, like most of the CD is focused on vertical worship. Other inspiring songs include “Your Amazing Grace,” “Pray,” and the more upbeat “How Marvelous (my Savior’s love). These songs lean heavily on content and not flare as Bauer’s vocals are more contemporary and melodious compared to the flashy norm of Modern Worship. It is so easy for me to pick up on the words and incorporate them into my daily worship. As an emerging artist in the realm of recording, Bauer offers a new voice and new songs for those looking for inspiration for private worship or for the congregational setting. On the official web site www.jon-bauer.com you can find song clips, chord charts, and lyrics to help you on your way.
Reviewed by Ken W.
• CrossRhythyms.co.uk • United Kingdom – Jon Bauer – Life of Worship CD – REVIEW
“May my life be my worship, my life be my song” sums up the heart of worship in Canadian singer/songwriter Jon Bauer. These words are taken from the title track of a project which saw release in December 2004. Schoolteacher by day, worship leader by weekend, Jon has recorded a debut album full of vibrant modern worship. Nine songs penned by Jon have Scriptural foundations, with a final song a new arrangement of the hymn “My Saviour’s Love” by Charles Gabriel. Beautifully produced with crystal clear sound to enhance Jon’s lilting lyrics, ‘Life of Worship’ is a great listen to inspire a life of worship.
Reviewed by Steven Bridge
