A consistent voice within the Bethel Music movement since 2014, Josh Baldwin never wavers with his authenticity as a worship artist. Baldwin's style has a very subtle country vibe that is very reminiscent of his North Carolina roots, bringing a fresh sound in worship. Baldwin's single, "Stand In Your Love," became a hit, finding its way to the number 2 spot of the Billboard Christian charts. For me, Josh has always shined brightest with his live work. Live from Church (2020) is my favorite project of his, and it's exciting to see Josh do another live album here. The 8-track album, titled Made for More, is nothing short of great worship album. The essence of who Christ is and who we are in Him, flows beautifully from the very first track to the last. These songs are evidently made to unite the church, as their lyrics are easy to sing for any church congregation.

"You Are Our God" opens the album. The upbeat track is the perfect opener that declares who God is. Our hope, our help, our defense, our salvation... this is everything our Lord is. There's no better way to start this project. "Time and Time Again" (previously performed by Baldwin on Bethel's latest project, Come Up Here) is one of a couple songs that adds some familiarity. "My Help," and the album's second single, "Crowns Down," are two of the strongest worship anthems, followed by the lead single and album title song, "Made for More," which features Bethel's Jenn Johnson. This song will instantly leave you in a place of surrender with its lyrics:

"'Cause I wasn't made to be tending a grave
I was called by name
Born and raised back to life again
I was made for more
So why would I make a bed in my shame
When a fountain of grace is running my way
I know I am Yours
And I was made for more"

How beautiful are these lyrics? It's a song of hope, reminding us of who we are. Our identity rests in what our Father thinks of us. And what he thinks of us is GOOD. We were made for so much more than guilt and shame. The Lord has called us higher to so much more.

To conclude, Baldwin leads us in his strong rendition of the hit song, "I Speak Jesus." Overall, the album doesn't offer anything groundbreaking and it doesn't need to. Nowadays, we overthink what worship should be and that gets in the way of what ultimately the heart should be. Made For More is a great worship album that allows the lyrics and passion Baldwin brings to emphasize the true vision for how we see God and how He sees us. For any worship leader looking to add some new tracks to their Sunday morning setlist, Made For More will be sure to give you quite few to choose from.

- Review date: 2/28/23, written by Michael Carder of Jesusfreakhideout.com