After joining the Bethel Music collective in 2014, Josh Baldwin and his family moved from North Carolina to Redding, California in August 2015. This cross-country move is cited as having influenced the album's creative direction due to the blending of sonic elements which reflect Baldwin's Southern origins and his placement in Bethel Music and Redding.
Promotion
The earliest mention of The War Is Over dates as far back as March 2017 when announcements on Christian digital outlets Cross Rhythms and Louder Than The Music that the album will be released via Bethel Music on May 26. On May 5, 2017, Bethel Music announced the pre-order of the album, having made three tracks and one music video available as pre-order singles prior to the album's release, the songs were "Get Your Hopes Up", "Endlessly" and "The War Is Over" and the music video of "Abraham". A press release to affirm the album's launch date as well as its full track listing via The Media Collective was issued on May 9, 2017. To further promote the album, on May 19, 2017, a free exclusive stream of the album was made available on WorshipU, Bethel Music's online worship school, also prior to the album's release.
Singles
"Get Your Hopes Up" was released on May 26, 2017, as the lead single from the album. The song impacted Christian radio on June 30, 2017.
Critical reception
Kevin Sparkman of CCM Magazine rated the album four stars out of five, saying that the songs are "the blend feels organic, and the album expectedly swells with the rich textures of electric guitars and strings we've come to love." Indicating in a four-point-three star review at The Christian Beat, Madeleine Dittmer states, "The War Is Over is all about the journey. Baldwin reminds listeners that they always walk with Christ in the unfamiliar territory they must cross. Rooted in scripture and rich personal experiences, the album is perfect for anyone who finds themselves needing some encouragement in a spiritual or physical journey." Christian music critic Jay Wright, in a review on his website, Jay's Musik Blog, also published on Louder Than The Music, rated the album four and a half out of five , emphatically concluding "As a big fan of this kind of worship, I believe The War is Over is one of Bethel Music's finest releases to date!" NewReleaseToday's Kevin Davis bestowed the album a four star rating, saying "The War is Over is a completely worshipful album, loaded with biblical truth and sincere and soothing vocals. The album is sonically and lyrically refreshing. God is exalted and the depth of His love is celebrated in every single song. This is truly soul-nourishing worship." Kelly Meade, reviewing the album for Today's Christian Entertainment whilst rating it four stars, "The War is Over is a solid album that will be a welcome addition to your music library."
