I got a chance to get a pre-release of Matt Maher's new CD, Empty and Beautiful, released by Provident Music's Essential Records. Matt isn't a widely-known CCM Artist but has an impressive work including "Your Grace is Enough" record by Chris Tomlin.
From a Worship point of view, there are two songs I think could work as congregational worship. Check out "As it is in Heaven" and "Great Things."
"As it is in Heaven" is a song based on the Lord's Prayer. Love the pre-chorus with the secondary dominant
which leads well into the chorus. The chorus is strong and not too long with repetition. The bridge picks up the scripture prayer with a lot of energy. Love how the harmonies build in this bridge. This is a solid worship song with a great biblical foundation.
"Great Things" is a song of praise base on the song of Mary, the Magnificat. I love the content of the song. I've always loved the Magnificat. It's the very first song of praise to God as a result of His Son, Christ. Matt is quoted as saying, "I'm always looking for biblical songs for teh church, and here you have this amazing prayer song by the first human being to accept Jesus Christ into her being; a 14-year old girl who literally carrie God in her womb. Amazing."
"Great Things" has a country rock feel that I love. But if you pick up the tempo a bit, you can rock it out even more. It has a great hook and a great pre-chorus. The bridge has alot of energy and encouraged alot of congregational participation. I can see this song working well in worship.
To listen to both songs, go to his site and check it out. Click HERE. Or check it out on iTunes.
Comments