Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review


John Waller, While I'm Waiting
John Waller
While I'm Waiting



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 12 tracks: 48 minutes, 54 seconds
Street Date: April 7, 2009


Mark Hall of Casting Crowns' role in bringing John Waller's first solo album into the spotlight was a key element for promoting Waller's national debut solo album, The Blessing. However now showcasing Waller's sophomore album, While I'm Waiting, is the movie Fireproof which prominently features the title cut from Waller's latest release.

It's a bit annoying that the song "While I'm Waiting" was originally on The Blessing's track listing in 2007. However, the popularity of Fireproof seemed to justify putting the song on another John Waller album, along with dubbing it the title track, and even including a second version of the song called "Fireproof Remix." The song itself isn't bad though, seeing that the inspirational song includes a convincing piano opening and a emotion filled light rock refrain. Even though "While I'm Waiting (Fireproof Remix)" includes some sound bites from the "#1 Inspirational Movie of the Year," the audio inserts from the film, which tip-toe around the song's lyrics, really don't qualify for much of a 'remix.'

Supporting the championed song is a strong cast of music coming from the better-than-average worship track "Hands of the Healer," the inspirational pop sound of "Faith Is Living," and the strong upbeat "Quest." Unfortunately, the album loses its inventive sound along with any songs that attempt to be innovative. The lone exception is "Our God Reigns Here," which features some daring riffs in the early going before resuming a heavier praise and worship style. It would have been nice to see John Waller attempt something more risky and add something extra to his contemporary pop to make them at least more radio-friendly than his lackluster ballads "Priestly Blessing" and "Perfect Peace."

With two exceptions ("Hands Of The Healer" and "Our God Reigns Here"), While I'm Waiting depends on Biblically themed songs rather than straight praise and worship fueled melodies. John Waller's songs are a magnet for scripturally based lyrics ranging from the themes to the individual lines. Waller marvels at Christ's willingness to suffer through the world's worst positions and places ("Of All The Places"), while "Faith Is Living" states, "It's the evidence of things I cannot see/faith is the evidence of things I cannot see." "Quest" cites that "everybody knows that emptiness is everywhere all over the quest/but nobody knows the reason for the restlessness," while pointing out the Savoir.

John Waller's songwriting style won't win any ingenuity awards, but his willingness to derive his lyrics from God's Word is commendable and ultimately keeps the music from sinking. Even without Fireproof's endorsement, While I'm Waiting should be able to stand on its own as a solid sophomore project.

- Review date: 4/3/09, written by Nathaniel D. Schexnayder of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

 

. Record Label: Reunion Records / Beach Street
. Album length: 12 tracks: 48 minutes, 54 seconds
. Street Date: April 7, 2009
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Hands Of The Healer (3:36)
  2. Faith Is Living (4:11)
  3. While I'm Waiting (4:50)
  4. Quest (4:00)
  5. Cling To The Call (4:13)
  6. Of All The Places (4:29)
  7. House Of God (3:32)
  8. Priestly Blessing (3:24)
  9. Dead Man Walking (3:46)
  10. Our God Reigns Here (4:50)
  11. Perfect Place (3:15)
  12. While I'm Waiting (Fireproof Remix) (4:52)
spacer     Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics

 

Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

Search JFH




This Friday, November 8, 2024
ALBUMS
Gabby Barrett Carols and Candlelight [Warner Music Nashville]
CXMMXNS CXMMXNS Chapter 1 - EP [Essential Worship]
New Hope Oahu There Is One - EP [DREAM]
Neal Morse & The Resonance No Hill For A Climber [InsideOut]
TAKE Time Bomb [Resuscitation Records]
Lauren Talley A Lauren Talley Christmas [Horizon]

SINGLES
Cory Asbury I Hope You Dance - Single [BEC]
Jordan Kauflin, Laura Story Approach, My Soul - Single [Getty]
Sam Bowman & GLADDEN Misfit Toys - Single [DREAM]
Wavorly Enemies - Single (independent)

VINYL
Michael W. Smith Every Christmas Vinyl [Rocketown]
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Vinyl [Frontiers]
TAKE Time Bomb Vinyl [Resuscitation Records]

DVD
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Blu-Ray [Frontiers]

Next Friday, November 15, 2024
ALBUMS
Dolly Parton & Family Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables [Owepar Entertainment]
The Lore Family Faith Over Fear [Horizon]
Fernando Ortega For All the Saints - EP (independent)
Earnest Pugh Worth is the Lamb
We Are Messengers Rejoice! (A Celtic Christmas) - EP [Curb]
Paul Wright III Reverie [United Alliance]

SINGLES
Big Dismal Here In My Heart - Single (independent)
Hannah Kerr It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Single [Curb]
Olivia Lane Silent Night - Single [BEC]
Tasha Layton Wake Up It's Christmas - Single [BEC]
Jamie MacDonald A Million Chances - Single [Capitol CMG]
Ronnie Martin On Christmas Morning - Single [Velvet Blue]
Hunter Plake Daylight - Single [BEC]
Jordan St. Cyr Christ is Here - Single [BEC]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Divine Discontent Vinyl [Word]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images