John Waller ‘As For Me and My House’ [CMR Retro]

Written by: Mike Laxton (5/2/2011)

Take the acoustic styles of artists such as Brandon Heath and Matthew West, mix in a little Chris Tomlin and Lincoln Brewster praise and worship, mix, and what do you get? A sound that defines John Waller’s latest release, “As For Me and My House.” What can only be described as a remarkable work of faith, praise, and true desire to celebrate what God and His son Jesus truly are only scratches the surface to John’s passionate music and certainly the message that permeates this album. From “Our God Reigns Here” to the title track and all thru the end on “Bless Us and Keep Us,” Mr. Waller has provided a marvelous prayer and piece of art.

Leading off is “Our God Reigns Here,” in a very ethereal and commanding nature as John commands evil spirits to leave because “our God reigns here,” whether it be the place of worship, the home, or wherever, it ties very well and transitions seamlessly into the next song and title track “As For My And My House.” Coming from Joshua 24:15, the title track is the overlying anthem and theme for the worship-driven album, starting out slow and gradually building up into a triumphant chorus of voices declaring the same as Joshua did. Moving into more of a contemporary worship feel, “You” follows next with the verse and then the chorus sung by a crowd, very similar in comparison to Hillsong or Chris Tomlin. Once again, shining the production method used on the album, “You” transitions right into “Because God Is Good.” If not aware of two different songs, it would be easy to miss the transition. Playing to more of the contemporary pop style John Waller also subscribes to; resemblances of other popular artists such as Matthew West and Brandon Heath come to mind.

“Somebody Else’s Story” is a great example that reflects John’s ministry-minded focus. A great line of the song that shows this would be “I want to be a part of somebody else’s story of redemption,” modeling the Great Commission given to us in Matthew 28:16-20. The next track, “Count It All,” references taking everything we have and laying it at the foot of the cross, counting it all as loss and serving Him. “Man of the Valley” is a great song with pure instrumentation and can have various interpretations on how the song is presented, but a great song nevertheless, followed by “The Jesus I Need,” a song of desire and hope in knowing that our Jesus, our Lord, our Savior heals not just physical wounds, but eternal souls.

Bringing in some southern roots, “The Marriage Prayer” is a great track that serves as a model prayer for couples struggling in their marriage. Following the success of the song “While I’m Waiting” which was featured in the movie Fireproof, “The Marriage Prayer” is a great attempt to follow along the same path in order to help strengthen relationships. The song also features a very talented female vocalist that assists Waller through the verses. From a song to strengthen marriages to another love song, “Fallen” is a love song to Jesus, the “intimate lover” as John writes, “I have fallen, I’ve fallen forever in intimate love.” Rounding out the album is “Bless Us and Keep Us” revolves around Numbers 6:22-27 and is a very fitting ending to the album. The tracks is very reflective, calming, and worthy of closing your eyes and soaking in the power of God’s love surrounding us as we ask Him to bless us and give us peace. Amen.

Between the obvious message-driven lyrics to the driving melodies and even the qualities of the behind the scenes production, the entire record did not fail to put chills in my spine and still causes me to sing along every time with arms raised to the air and praises sung to the One on high. More than just a bravo to John Waller, but instead, a job well done for using his God given talents and giving it back to the One who gave it all.

4.8/5

ADDED TO TCE ON: March 15, 2024