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The JPUSA community, as a worshipping community, has developed some of its own worship music.  On this album, we are invited to share in some worship time with them. 

The music is, not surprisingly, more quiet in tone and performance style than any of the REZ projects Kaiser has been on, and most of his other music as well.

It is this quietness that is at once the greatest strength and the biggest weakness of this album.  There is an evenness to the album which brings the listener into a time of contemplation and worship, but there is nothing particularly stirring about any of the tracks.  As a result, I found myself not really affected one way or another by the album, even after repeated listening.

This is not to say that the album is not any good.  On the contrary, Kaiser's vocals are as solid and listenable as ever.  The other vocalists on the project are quite good too.  The track "Come Before The Lord" is one of the better tracks that way, with its harmonized female vocals.

The songs are generally well-written as well.  "Lord of the Wind and the Waves" is a lovely, Celtic-flavored contemplation on what it means that Jesus has power over wind and the waves.

 Oh guide me through turbulent night
 Lord, be my light in the overcast day
 Hold me and fight every fight
 You know my enemy, You know the way
 Open my eyes to the hills
 Covered with warriors You send to my aid
 Jesus, You're mighty to save
 Lord of the wind and the waves

This album is a good one; it just seems to not quite have the spark of life I was 
expecting it to have.  Whether that is a problem with my expectations for the album or 
something wanting in the album, I am not sure.  What I am sure of is that the JPUSA 
worship leaders have developed some fine music, and that is a fitting tribute to the great 
love of Christ.

Alex Klages 7/14/2002

Worship recordings are a dime a dozen.  And for my nickel few do it finer than Glenn Kaiser.  This third installment of Glenn's worship songs reveals a further maturity that's refreshing.  With two previous worship projects All My Days and Throw Down Your Crowns under his belt, No Greater Love testifies the third time is a treat.  
 

Kaiser only pens (or contributes to) five of the dozen tracks, but his well-traveled voice autographs ten of them with a touch of authenticity and heart.  Only one song "Come Before the Lord" is neither authored nor features Kaiser's vocals.  The and friends in this worship project are other JPUSA worship leaders. Tom Crozier, Mike Troxel, Scott Knies, Aracely Bock, to name a few--who have obviously impressed Glenn, according to the liner notes.  Their contributions only strengthen this compilation.

To be honest, few songs in this project seem suitable for corporate worship, even though that's their original purpose.  The track record of these tunes suggests they've successfully been used in JPUSA churches.  And there are a few that certainly have potential use, congregationally ( "Come Behold" is probably the best pick).  Personally, I find the value of this project more in private worship.  Each one leads to the throne and serves well as meditation music.  I found myself wanting to just soak in silence as I dined upon each song.  

Lyrically, the messages are clear.  A call to worship ("None Like You").  Standing firm in the face of trial and tragedy ("The One I've Trusted" ).  The sovereignty ("No Other , God In Sky Above") and sacrifice ("No Greater Love") of God.  The confession of Christ as Lord ("I Bow") and the Holy Spirit as Guide (" Holy Spirit, Move In Me").  This hymnal of hope is rich in liturgy ("The Communion Song") and legacy ("Lord of the Wind and the Waves").

For those who enjoy Kaiser's work with Rez or as a master blues man will find little here in that vein.  This isn't a rock 'n" roll work.  But if you re seeking solid songs to gently guide you home on this side of Heaven, No Greater Love is a worthy ticket.    

Rick Chromey (August 29, 2002)