Matt Maher - Saints And Sinners

Published Sunday 10th May 2015
Matt Maher - Saints And Sinners
Matt Maher - Saints And Sinners

STYLE: Pop
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 155230-22832
LABEL: Provident 083061098827
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RELEASE DATE: 2015-03-31
RRP: £9.99

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The vast majority of artists from the Roman Catholic Church who have recorded music down the years have had to rely on support solely from their own particular denomination to build a ministry but like John Michael Talbot before him, Canada's Matt Maher has shown that songwriting craftsmanship and the avoidance of contentious theological issues can occasionally win American Christian radio support. Matt has already enjoyed considerable success with several of his modern worship songs and this new album is in many ways certain to expand his popularity. At least six of the songs here draw their inspiration from particular figures from the history of the Church including "Sons And Daughters" (Martin Luther King Jr), "Firelight" (Mother Theresa), "Instrument" (St Francis of Assisi), "A Future Not My Own" (Archbishop Oscar Romero) and "Everything Is Grace" (St Therese). Maher wrote "Sons And Daughters" with Jason Ingram and Ike Ndolo and it's a triumphant evocation of freedom ("How free is anyone when some are in chains?/Slaves to brokenness, all this blindness"). 'Saints And Sinners' abounds in co-writes including David Leonard and Leslie Jordan (All Sons And Daughters), Jon Foreman (Switchfoot) and Bo and Bear Rhinehart (Needtobreathe). The track with Foreman is particularly strong, featuring a deft blend of Foreman's acoustic approach as heard on his EPs with Maher's sweeping stadium anthems. Another gem is "Because He Lives (Amen)" with octave-leaping vocals over strings, piano and thunderous drums. The song registered on the Billboard charts for many weeks and will surely be heard in a church near you before long. All in all, this album is a work of inspiring craftsmanship.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.

Product Description
As Oscar Wilde said, ‘Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.’ Matt Maher’s new album Saints and Sinners features the number one debuting single ‘Because He Lives.’

Be the first to comment on this article

We welcome your opinions but libellous and abusive comments are not allowed.












We are committed to protecting your privacy. By clicking 'Send comment' you consent to Cross Rhythms storing and processing your personal data. For more information about how we care for your data please see our privacy policy.

NAVIGATION
CONNECT WITH CROSS RHYTHMS
SIGNUP

Connect with Cross Rhythms by signing up to our email mailing list

A Step Change...
Cross Rhythms Media Training Centre
MORE ARTICLES
DISCOGRAPHY
ARTIST PROFILES
Artists & DJs A-Z
# A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #
Or keyword search

 

PRAYER ROOMS
Incinerator
Be genuine and real and incinerate your attitudes and apathy in our Prayer Room