Great God Who Saves is the first official studio album from singer/songwriter Laura Story. The album was released on March 18, 2008.
| Great God Who Saves | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | March 18, 2008 | |||
| Recorded | 2007 | |||
| Studio | Ed's (Franklin, Tennessee) | |||
| Genre | CCM | |||
| Length | 38:41 | |||
| Label | Sony/INO | |||
| Producer | Ed Cash | |||
| Laura Story chronology | ||||
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Critical reception
edit| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [1] |
| CCM Magazine | [2] |
| Christian Broadcasting Network | [3] |
| Christian Music Review | 8.3/10, B−[4] |
| Christianity Today |  [5] |
| Cross Rhythms |   [6] |
| Jesus Freak Hideout | [7] |
Great God Who Saves garnered generally positive reception from music critics to critique the album. At CCM Magazine, David McCreary felt that the album was "As soothing as a cup of herbal tea after a hectic day, Story's debut should serve as a cathartic achievement for the artist and a rewarding gift to listeners."[2] Andree Farias of AllMusic affirmed that the album "has already positioned itself as one of the most moving inspirational albums of 2008, a welcome reminder that worship music need not be loud and in your face to be worshipful."[1]
At Christianity Today, Russ Breimeier highlighted that someone "could say Story is to Tomlin as Kathryn Scott is to Brian Doerksen—perhaps not as consistent in developing anthems for the church, but consistently good at delivering beautiful melodies with a sweetly lilting vocal."[5] Martin I. Smith of Cross Rhythms told that Story "has created a mature and creatively rich record that proudly launches her onto the major label scene".[6] In addition, Smith noted that "The record, punctuated by the occasional ballad and at times upping the pace with foot-tap inducing pop songs, is balanced in its delivery, and, while it leans primarily on Laura's haunting vocals and emotive lyrics, manages to create a listening experience far more rounded and fully realised than your average singer/songwriter release."[5]
At Christian Broadcasting Network, Bethany Duval proclaimed that "Great God Who Saves is a strong collection of acoustic contemporary worship that is sung with both beauty and a unique sincerity."[3] Jay Heilman of Christian Music Review evoked that "Laura Story delivers an album full of hope, humility and love with great song-writing and emphasis on an inspirational message in a world that desperately needs it!"[4] At Jesus Freak Hideout, Matthew Watson wrote that even "Though Laura has a great following, Great God Who Saves might not be quite up to par."[7] Lastly, Watson said that because the release "lacks depth and originality", it came off as portraying Story as "just another worship leader, and Great God Who Saves is just another worship album."[7]
Awards
editGreat God Who Saves won a Dove Award for Inspirational Album of the Year at the 40th GMA Dove Awards. The album was also nominated for Praise & Worship Album of the Year, while the song "Bless the Lord" was nominated for Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year.[8]
Chart performance
editThe album peaked at #25 on Billboard's Christian Albums and #25 on Heatseekers Albums.[9]
Track listing
editAll tracks are written by Laura Story, except where noted
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Bless the Lord" | 4:05 | |
| 2. | "Immortal, Invisible" | Ed Cash, Story | 3:19 |
| 3. | "Mighty to Save" | Reuben Morgan, Ben Fielding | 3:50 |
| 4. | "Indescribable" | Jesse Reeves, Story | 4:14 |
| 5. | "Great God Who Saves" | 4:02 | |
| 6. | "There Is Nothing" | 3:52 | |
| 7. | "Make Something Beautiful" | Cash, Story | 4:02 |
| 8. | "Grace" | 4:35 | |
| 9. | "I Think of You" | 2:55 | |
| 10. | "Perfect Peace" | 3:47 | |
| Total length: | 38:41 | ||
Personnel
edit- Laura Story – vocals, acoustic piano
- Ben Shive – keyboards
- Ed Cash – acoustic piano, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, mandolin, bass, backing vocals
- Kenny Greenberg – electric guitars
- Jerry McPherson – electric guitars
- Byron House – upright bass
- Steve Brewster – drums, percussion
- John Catchings – cello
- Amy Grant – backing vocals (8, 10)
Production
edit- James Rueger – A&R
- Ed Cash – producer, engineer, mixing
- Richard Dodd – mastering
- Alexis Goodman – design
- Dana Salsedo – wardrobe stylist
- Sheila Curtis – hair stylist, make-up
References
edit- ^ a b Farias, Andree (March 18, 2008). "Great God Who Saves – Laura Story". AllMusic. Retrieved October 8, 2013.
- ^ a b McCreary, David (March 1, 2008). "In Review: Laura Story: Great God Who Saves (INO)" (PDF). CCM Magazine. Salem Publishing. pp. 43–44. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 10, 2012. Retrieved October 8, 2013.
- ^ a b Duval, Bethany (March 18, 2008). "Pages by Shane & Shane". Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved October 8, 2013.
- ^ a b Heilman, Jay (September 24, 2008). "Laura Story [Great God Who Saves]". Christian Music Review. New Release Tuesday. Retrieved October 8, 2013.
- ^ a b c Breimeier, Russ (March 18, 2008). "Laura Story: Great God Who Saves". Christianity Today. Wayback Machine. Archived from the original on September 7, 2009. Retrieved October 8, 2013.
- ^ a b Smith, Martin I. (April 4, 2008). "Review: Great God Who Saves – Laura Story". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved October 8, 2013.
- ^ a b c Watson, Matthew (March 15, 2008). "Laura Story, "Great God Who Saves" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved October 8, 2013.
- ^ Nominations Announced for 40th GMA Dove Awards at CBN.com
- ^ Great God Who Saves on Billboard