John Waller – Standing Ovation (Single)

Independent

Release Date: September 22nd 2023

Reviewed by: Joshua Andre

John Waller– Standing Ovation (Single) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)

Track Listing:

  1. Standing Ovation

Recently known for his strong pro stance on adoption, singer/songwriter John Waller has had a music career most artists would dream of. Being recognised and respected for his hit songs and powerful anthemic ballads that bring people hope and let us know that Jesus’ love is boundless and endless; John’s song “While I’m Waiting” was featured in the Alex Kendrick directed and Kirk Cameron acted film Fireproof, while the heartfelt and emotional music video for “As For Me And My House” was nominated for a Dove Award alongside videos from Newsboys, Tenth Avenue North, Chris August, Chris Tomlin and Hawk Nelson (which is pretty good, considering that song was from an independent album!). Even his debut hit song “Still Calls Me Son”, from the 2007 album The Blessing, struck a chord with me- John’s prowess at writing is just as good as a veteran artist like Michael W. Smith or Mark Hall from Casting Crowns. And yet, not that many people listen to his music compared to CCM artists who are signed. John released the album Crazy Faith in 2015 (on City Of Peace Records), and you can read that review here. We also reviewed many more of John’s releases; and since that time John has released Explosions Of Light in 2019, and the singles “But God”, “What My Father Does”, “Kingdom Symphony” and “Yeshua (The Name)”. If you want to read more about John and his recent music, you can read all of our reviews; but this past month or so, John is back with something new. And I don’t mean his re-recording of “While I’m Waiting”!

“Standing Ovation” a song written in the 90’s, has been recorded by John’s previous band According To John, and has now be re-recorded now. A song inspired by the martyr Stephen and how he was stoned for his unwavering and unshakeable faith, John outlines that as Stephen entered into heaven, Jesus and the angels stood for him, and congratulated him for never backing down from his faith. And as such, John encourages us all to be standfast and firm in our faith, no matter the cost- because there will be a standing ovation when we enter Heaven because we were faithful servants to Jesus and we never compromised. More than that, we will give a standing ovation to Jesus Christ because of who He is and what He’s done for us, and that should be an even more profound and powerful thought and truth that we need to fully grasp and process as we continue to live for Jesus.

John Waller’s new (but really old yet updated!) song is a testament to the power of the word and the simplicity of worship songs which still speak to us today; and though feeling confronted and challenged in our faith, may not be what we’d like to feel at the moment, John’s words ultimately have solidified and cemented my faith time and time again, and that’s definitely a plus! With his heart for mission, family, and children, being intertwined with his heart for God and bleeding through throughout John’s entire discography; there’s plenty of here within John’s songs for everyone… but I’d say start with “While I’m Waiting”- for what I believe is a song that everyone needs to listen to at least once. Then go onto “Yeshua The Name” AND “Standing Ovation”. Well done John for a thoroughly enjoyable and inspiring song, and hopefully it calls people to action to trust in Jesus at all times, and to give a standing ovation to Him, simply because of His name and who He is!

Some songs are worth re-recording. I wrote this song with Scott Johnson back in 1993. In 1994 we won a song writing competition at Babbie Mason’s Christian artist seminar. That won me a trip to the Christian Artist Seminar at Estes Park, Colorado. I thought I’d arrived when that happened. Hardly. But this song has always been very special to me. The story of Stephen the martyr is an incredible one. As he was being stoned to death, he saw Heaven opened. Jesus got off His throne and literally gave this young man Stephen a standing ovation for his faithfulness unto death. Story songs are some of my absolute favorite.

Score: 5/5

RIYL: Steven Curtis Chapman, Bebo Norman, Casting Crowns, MercyMe

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