Provident Label Group
Release Date: September 13th 2019
Reviewed by Joshua Andre
Matt Maher– Alive And Breathing Vol. 1 (Single) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- Run To The Father
- Lord I Need You (Senor, Te Necesito) (Live) (feat. Blanca)
- White Flag (Live)
One of today’s most prolific and ingenious worship leaders and singer/songwriters of the modern CCM era, Matt Maher, famous for his smash hit single “Your Grace Is Enough” (made popular by Chris Tomlin) and also writer of inspiring hits such as “Turn Around”, “Hold Us Together”, “Christ Is Risen”, “Because He Lives”, “What A Friend”, “Your Love Defends Me”, “Lord I Need You” and “All The People Said Amen”; is one of my favourite artists. Why I hear you asking? Well it’s really simple. It’s partly due to Matt’s vulnerability and transparency (evident on his latest album Echoes) and also due to the relevance of his music on today’s society. Having released Echoes in 2017 (of which you guys can read my brother’s review right here!); you might be wondering if Matt is in the studio for the next album. Or…maybe not, since he also unveiled the Christmas project The Advent Of Christmas. Maybe something is coming next year- but until that time, there is indeed new material from Matt. A brand new single titled Alive And Breathing released today (which is strange as it’s basically an EP of 3 songs!); but no matter- let’s see how Matt has wowed us this time!
And wow us does he! Yep, I am speaking like Yoda to prove a point! Matt’s latest tracks are exquisite and very soothing. “Run To The Father” is a Cody Carnes cover, and while you can read by brother’s review of the single from Cody Carnes here; Matt’s version, though closely resembling Cody’s, is nonetheless powerful and magical. God’s anointing is clearly on this song, as I reckon it’ll be one of this year’s biggest worship hits. “Lord I Need You”, probably Matt’s biggest worship hit aside from “Your Grace Is Enough”, is given a live treatment, but with a twist. CCM artist and former Group 1 Crew founder Blanca joins Matt on vocals, as she sings part of the iconic classic in Spanish, adding to the depth of the track and showcasing the power of Jesus to move despite different languages. The EP ends as quickly as it begins, with a cover of the Passion hit “White Flag” from 2012. It’s another live recording with is professionally done and sounds exceptionally good, which makes me think that perhaps a live album is coming soon. Regardless, Matt has once again shown us why he is still relevant and why his music still resonates with all of us. An album may not be coming soon, but this EP is a must for fans of Matt’s and of worship music in general.
Matt Maher is a household name in terms of worship music, and now that He has recorded a brief but stellar EP; these are indeed songs for those who want to feel closer to God, and a must listen if you want to find some inspirational and hopeful melodies that you can sing at all times! Well done Matt, can’t wait for your next studio project and whatever else you have up your sleeve!
Score: 4.5/5
RIYL: Matthew West, Jeremy Camp, Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Tenth Avenue North