I’m working my way through my list. I’ve made some additions and subtractions and finished a few others, but I’m still hoping to read 20 books this year.
Last week I finished God Songs, by Paul Baloche. My wife can confirm that I’m slightly more than a casual fan of Paul Baloche. And yes, I do think it’s a little weird to be more excited by a book coming out than I am for my favorite band’s new release… or even the President coming to town — but regardless of the abnormality — I’ve been really excited to read this book.
For starters, it has loads of useful information about writing, arranging and selecting worship songs, how to work in different musical styles, a basic overview of music theory and how it can make your song amazing, and the importance of sound doctrine in your lyrics… to name a few.
Most encouraging to me, however, were the stories about how songs were born. From Matt Redman to Chris Tomlin to Darlene Zschech to Paul Baloche, they told about the trials and joys they experienced and how they transformed those experiences into some of the most powerful songs written in modern times. Every time I finished a chapter I walked away with a new inspiration to write music.
What I really appreciated, though, was the practicality of it all.
It wasn’t a lofty, spacey, over-spiritualized look at worship. He writes very conversationally and breaks down the mystery surrounding the work of leading worship, making it easy to understand and comprehend.
My take:
This books is a very compelling reason as to the success of modern worship music today. Every person that writes or leads worship needs to get this book.
Now go buy it on Amazon.com.
