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GATEWAY WORSHIP
Monuments
a lyrical bend toward overused Christian Songs like “Clean Heart,” which is a Tom Petty-
Clichés. The title cut, “Monuments,” challenges esque rocker about the gift of forgiveness, and
us to be grateful to God for the signposts of “What A Friend,” are classic, energetic songs of
grace in our lives, and is a worthy reminder. hope like the ones that we all have come to know
and love from Maher. “Your Love Defends Me”
With a little more forethought and study, this features ethereal pads and piano background
could have been a great album, but alas it for this authentic worship anthem, as Matt
Gateway worship is the worship collective from again sits in the realm of “not bad.” Most of reminds us that in every war we face, no matter
Gateway church, which is one of the largest the songs are somewhat forgettable, as they the outcome here on earth, the love and sacrifice
churches in America, located in Southlake, tend to run together both thematically and of Jesus is our best defense in every situation.
Texas. The collective includes such well know instrumentally, but there are a few offerings that One of the bolder choices on this album is
worship leaders as Mark Harris, Matt Birkenfeld, could definitely be used for both personal and the song “Picket Sign,” which is an interesting
Anna Byrd, Austin Benjamin, Lauren Dunn, corporate worship. call to action for the body of Christ to do
Maddison Harris, Cole Novak, Levi Smith, and
more than just know the Bible, or to say what
others. The new 12-track LP, Monuments,
they believe. This sentiment is echoed in my
MATT MAHER
Echoes
finds symmetry in the monuments observed
favorite song on the album (and may well be
throughout scripture and the moments in my song of the year) “Least Of These,” which
our own life, pointing to the belief that we are is a wonderful lyrical exploration of Matthew
monuments of His faithfulness here on earth. 25 that tells of how Christ’s sacrifice satisfies
every need of the redeemed. Maher’s writing
For the most part this album is fairly predictable
with regards to style, instrumentation, and
arrangements, akin to similar “super” worship
Matt Maher is a master of crafting worship
that brings the body of Christ together,
groups like Jesus Culture, Hillsong, and Bethel. regardless of age, race, denomination, or
Some of both the new and the familiar, Maher’s
of
the
more
noticeable
cuts
include, “Precious Blood,” which is a pensive
ballad that carefully ruminates on the sacrifice
of Jesus on the Cross before giving in to the
well-loved hymn, “Tis So Sweet to Trust in
Jesus.” “Wilderness” will identify with every
person who has gone through tough times and
is seeking God’s will in the midst of the struggle.
The song is founded on the idea that God’s
will is often delivered to us amidst the storms
of life, and sometimes He allows us to endure
social boundary. With the seamless mixture
compositions have a way of gaining immediate
traction with worshippers. They are refreshingly
contemporary as well as nostalgically familiar,
and this is one of the reasons his songs
are sung in churches around the world.
His first album since 2015, Echoes features 16
new songs on the deluxe version. The main
theme was born out of the recent loss of his
father, which reveals a more personal and
those storms so that we learn to trust in Him. vulnerable Maher than previous releases.
“It is Finished” is a crescendo-building power Sonically, Echoes intelligently bounces back-
ballad that reminds us of the power of the
resurrection of Christ in our lives. “Open
Up the Heavens” is a strong album opener
and-forth from praise, to reverent, to the
difficulty of the times, all held together with the
love and forgiveness of Christ at the center.
with youthful electronic beats, albeit with
56
genius and incredible Biblical insight is on
full display with lyrically creative lines like….
“when he stole my heart between two thieves,
that’s when love became the least of these”.
There are a plethora of great moments on this
album: songs of intimate personal worship,
songs of introspection and prayer to God, right
alongside celebratory, foot stomping songs of
joy. Echoes is more than a great collection of
songs; this album is a crystal-clear message
from God for the body of Christ here on earth
to act upon our beliefs. We are the people who
are called to bring the echo of hope to the world
through living lives on mission at all times, and in
all places for Jesus. This is the clear heartbeat
of Echoes, and the body of Christ should listen
up. These are songs you need to hear, and are
treasured gifts that worship leaders should give
to themselves and the people they are called to
serve. This is my favorite album of 2017. Well
done, Mr. Maher! I stand and salute you for your
boldness and love for the people of God.
November 2017
WorshipMusician.com