Search - Matt Maher :: Alive Again

Brilliant, spirit-filled Christian art

C. J. Kellerman | Irving, TX | 09/23/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is Matt Maher's second release on a major label, but his fifth album. Maher has never released a mediocre record, and his albums have gotten progressively better. With "Alive Again," however, the Canadian Catholic takes his music to an entirely new level-- one even more mature, artistic, and meditative than that of his previous albums.



The lyrics in the title track, "Alive Again," are inspired by a famous passage from Augustine's Confessions, and the song is a moving depiction of conversion moved by God's grace. A pop-alternative sound (Coldplay-influenced), which is somewhat new to Maher's music, is a suitable canvas to his moving lyrics: "You called and you shouted,/ broke through my deafness/ Now I'm breathing in, and breathing out/ I'm alive again." This song has an expressive power that explodes with Maher's near-shouting cry at the end: "And I'll do whatever I have to/ just to get through/ cause I love you, yeah I love you."



The album includes a few traditional (though refreshing) praise-and-worship songs, including "No Greater Love," "Sing Over Your Children," and "Christ Has Risen." They're all full of Maher's characteristic joyful and spirit-filled lyrics.



A major highlight is "Hold Us Together," which has every reason to be a cross-over hit. The music is almost-folksy alternative rock with lyrics reminding us that only love can bring our lives hope and meaning. If this song doesn't put a smile on your face, I don't know what will.



Other highlights include "Letting Go" and "Garden," which may remind listeners of indie singers Ray Lamontagne and Damien Rice: Maher uses their raw, close-to-the-mic vocal techniques to bring Christian music into a new setting. It's spectacular.



Finally, "You Were On the Cross" will be the new retreat meditation song. The lyrics are beautiful, with a "Footprints in the Sand"-type message, and a surprising but effective ending using violin, cello, and piano.



The songs were all co-written, and I think this adds new perspective and creativity to Matt's music. Production is top-notch, and his melodies stay in a perfect, powerful register for his voice.



It's great art, and it leads to true meditation, contemplation, and conversion. Highly recommended!"

Multi-faceted worship from an emerging singer/songwriter

Michael Dalton | Eureka, CA United States | 10/11/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Alive Again, Matt Maher's second release on Essential Records, solidifies his emergence as a recognized worship artist. It also highlights his ability as a songwriter. He is best known as the author of "Your Grace is Enough," which appeared on his Essential debut, Empty and Beautiful.



Maher is one who believes in songs born out of community. These songs were written with Jason Ingram, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, up-and-coming writer/vocalist Audrey Assad, Mark Byrd and Mia Fieldes (Hillsong). I appreciate the honesty and vulnerability in some of the lyrics.



Originally from Newfoundland, Canada, Maher has gone from full-time ministry at his home church in Mesa, Arizona to leading worship around the world.



That is not to say that Alive Again is just the typical fare found on modern worship recordings. There are songs like "Shout of the King," a driving anthem that would be right at home on a Chris Tomlin recording. But you also find a more than average variety of styles. Maher sings with a Bruce Springsteen-like swagger on "Hold Us Together," which with its sing-a-long chorus could pass for a folk anthem. The plainspoken sentiments about love make it a song that I can imagine the Boss singing.



"Remembrance" is a communion song with lyrical depth and an ethereal sound that highlights the mystical aspect of the rite. The stripped-down, all-acoustic sound on "Letting Go" fits perfectly with its theme of relinquishing all. The quiet, gentle nature make this one of my favorites.



"You were on the Cross" is a stark song of lament from the perspective of someone who is in the winter of discontent. Yet when life falls apart, it still has the faith to direct the hard questions to God: Where were you when ...? Songs like this are a heartening sign of maturity. Others have pointed out that modern worship recordings have often lacked this aspect of grief and sorrow.



Anytime anyone successfully incorporates the beautiful picture of God singing over his children (Zep. 3:17), it is worth noting. That is what you find on "Sing Over Your Children."



"No Greater Love" celebrates the Incarnation with drums that shuffle and atmospheric guitar. Kudos to the producers, Paul Moak and Christopher Stephens, for helping to give this CD a raw, organic sound that makes this a little different from the many similar-sounding praise and worship recordings. My first exposure to Moak was his hot guitar-playing on one of Derek Webb's tours. I can hear his influence.



"Garden," another acoustic gem--one of two songs that include female harmonizing and the album's closer--rejoices in the fruit of God's cultivation of the heart.



This CD is like a fresh garden of delights. It's not hard for me to imagine the gentle breeze of the Spirit carrying these songs of praise and worship heavenward as they fill the hearts of God's children.

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