NEW MUSIC
His first full-length album in more than two years is a huge collection of 20 songs that were mostly written during the pandemic . Thematically , the album centers on the importance of how we as the body of Christ need each other and how God surrounds us with brothers and sisters in Christ for encouragement , support and accountability .
Many of these songs were pre-released as EP ’ s and singles with the best of the lot being “ Leaning ” which borrows a lyrical theme , lyrics and melody from the beloved old hymn , “ Leaning On The Everlasting Arms ”. Here , we learn that when we find ourselves in the valleys of life , the only one we can trust and lean on is Jesus whose promises are ever true . The mixture of old and new with this updated version is genius and makes the song relevant and ready for a whole new generation of worshipers .
The title track is a vulnerable look into Maher ’ s own faith life as he recounts stories of the Bible that remind him of God ’ s faithfulness , power and mercy and how these scriptures have given him strength during hard times .
“ Bigger Table ” has been one of the more successful tracks of the album as we are reminded that all are welcome around the table of Lord . The pop-rock vibe works well with Maher ’ s gravelly tenor and this song will be a powerful opener or communion celebration song for your Sunday service .
I really appreciated the different musical genre ’ s here as Maher has done a great job of crafting songs that will appeal to a variety of tastes . Every song here is well written and overall this is one of his best releases to date . These songs weave an ineffable thread of hope and unity that runs throughout this album and lingers long after the last track has ended .
MATT MAHER Song Spotlight “ Bigger Table ”
Normally , I wouldn ’ t spotlight a song that is on an album that is already being reviewed in the same magazine issue , but I love this tune so much that I just had to expand on it a bit more in the hope that you will love it as much as I do .
Matt Maher ’ s song , “ Bigger Table ” is more than just a song about unity and inclusion . It is a call to accountability for the Christian to live a life reflective of the same mercy and grace that we have been given through Jesus ’ death and resurrection . It is a call for us to love the unlovable , to give mercy to those who don ’ t deserve it and it invite the outcast to share a seat next to us at the table that our God has prepared for all .
The song begins with a hearty B-3 organ and piano as Maher begins verse one by calling us to “ surround the mystery ” of grace and to gather as one body no matter what we have done to offend God because all are welcome .
The verse soon gives way to the chorus which by itself is structurally and melodically a bit outside of the box of your typical worship song . Here we are reminded that the love of God doesn ’ t care where you come from or what has happened in the past and no matter what , God is able to cover it all in true forgiveness .
Verse two brings the musical energy up a bit as the lyrical focus shifts from what true grace is to who we need to be focusing that grace on in our world . Maher makes a poignant statement
at the beginning of the 2nd verse when he sings “ Show me who is my neighbor , the Christ hidden in the beggar ” which is a direct call for us to think differently about those around us the world deems as lesser people . The third line hit me right in the chest ; “ Let my enemy be my family , fill my cup till I ’ m running over ”. How often do we think our enemy as family ? Never . Yet Jesus calls us to do just these things in the Gospels and Maher has done a fantastic job of creating song moments that convict us while sharing the hope and joy of the Gospel just a few phrases away .
The bridge makes it a personal call for all of us himself as Maher sings ; “ There ’ s an empty seat waiting next to me , we gotta make some room for each other . Let my enemy be my family ”. I love here how Maher makes the song a personal mission for the worshiper by the end .
We need to be singing more songs like this in our churches . Songs that convict while sharing hope and calling us to do more than just check the box of showing up on a Sunday morning . I know this song made me think more about how I personally need to share more love , make room for those not like me and ultimately strive to be better at living out the grace that was undeservedly given to me .
Gerod Bass Worship leader in Tacoma , WA . Mentor with Worship Catalyst . Singer , songwriter , guitarist with a passion for impacting lives for the sake of the Gospel . www . oslc . com