Worship Musician November 2017 | Page 56

NEW MUSIC [ NOW HEAR THIS | Gerod Bass ] 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