Search - Matt Maher :: Empty & Beautiful

My New Favorite!

Lisa M. Hendey | Fresno, CA United States | 04/17/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Pauline epistles inspire the title track of Empty and Beautiful, written in advance of the declaration of the year dedicated to the ministry of St. Paul. "In life, we end up having to empty ourselves to achieve that which is beautiful," Matt says. "If you don't, you never really get made beautiful. It's a weird dichotomy, especially in the world we live in because there's so much focus on beauty. The whole idea of having to empty one's self to achieve beauty is completely counter cultural, but that's what happens-marriage, service of the poor, sharing the beauty of the gospel. That's what Christ calls us to do, and I hope these songs will help inspire people to follow Jesus in that way." The title song envisions not only St. Paul's imprisonment and salvation, but also our personal liberation through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This moving anthem, beautifully arranged and produced, typifies Matt's artistry: songs that sound great and showcase lyrics that have the ability to change lives.



Some of my personal favorites on Empty and Beautiful include "Great Things", a twenty-first century recounting of the Magnificat with the slightest hint of a country twinge and "As It Is In Heaven", the sole non-Maher produced track on the CD. "As It Is In Heaven", produced by Ed Cash, gives brilliant testimony to a God who is Father of us all. Maher fans will be thrilled with the inclusion of "Your Grace Is Enough" on this project. This Matt Maher fan favorite, which has become a worship industry standard, has never sounded better. Each of the twelve tracks that comprise Empty and Beautiful underscores Matt Maher's message that our hearts are truly empty without our God, who lovingly and faithfully calls us to lay down our lives in service of His Gospel and our neighbors.



Having had an opportunity to chat with Matt Maher in the midst of his hectic touring schedule was truly a grace-filled encounter for this mom. With his music and with a life led "practicing what he preaches", Matt is responding to the very call about which he sings. Matt emanates a humility and a deep spirituality that is touching and affirming. As a parent, I am thrilled to have CDs such as Empty and Beautiful to share with my family - great songs with a great message that you'll love as much as your kids do.

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If you are new to Matt Maher...

Cade_One | Ohio | 04/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I realy like the songs "Maranatha" and "Leave A Light On"! The song "Your Grace is Enough" and some others on this album are actually re-recorded form previous albums.



I recommend Matt Maher's "Welcome to Life", "The End and The Beginning", and "Overflow" Albums as well. "Empty & Beautiful" is the first album on the Sony/Provident/Essential label!



God Bless."

So glad I came across this artist

M. Park | Manassas Park, VA United States | 05/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Awesome, upbeat, Catholic rock music. The kids and I are jammin on the way to baseball practice each night to Matt Maher. It's great when you can find music to please everyone and even better when Daddy is on board with the music!"