Artist Info:Discography Album length: 13 tracks: 57 minutes, 43 seconds Street Date: December 26, 2006
In his first studio recording in over four years, Matt Redman returns with his passionate voice and
unsurpassed ability for writing great worship songs to release Beautiful News. The author of classics such as "Better is One
Day," "Let Everything That Has Breath," and "The Heart of Worship," just to name a few, Redman is a masterful worship leader and seems to
capture the hearts of the audience at his concerts. His unique ability is why Facedown was such a successful live album, and why
Redman chose to record his "best of" album in front of a crowd of believers.
But Redman's strength can also be a weakness. In many songs on Beautiful News, he still sings as if he were leading live
worship. He tries to give others more of a studio feel, but they often come off as cliché, something Matt has usually been able to avoid
in the past. In fact, these two types of songs are segregated almost entirely; songs at the beginning and end of the album,
while enjoyable, sound like they should be played live, and those in the middle feel overproduced and unoriginal. The listener is left
feeling like he was just cheated at the fast food counter, with only a sesame seed bun in hand-a good start and finish, but no meat in
between.
Even at its weakest point, though, Beautiful News is still sincere worship to our Heavenly Father, and Redman sings with
passion throughout. There are plenty of strong points as well. "Beautiful News" is an energetic first track featuring some great
electric guitar. "Shine," which follows a solid studio version of the live hit "You Never Let Go," sounds like a soon-to-be worship
classic with lyrics like, "We will shine like stars in the universe / holding out Your truth in the darkest place / we'll be living for
Your glory." "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" is another highlight, boldly proclaiming Christ as the Creator of all things.
"When All is Said and Done," and "If You Know You're Loved" are incredible, simple songs of praise.
In the end, Beautiful News is by all means an above average modern worship project, but many will be left feeling
unsatisfied given Matt Redman's stellar reputation. Some songs can easily be missed, while several others would be a joy to experience
live, where Redman is at his very best.
- Review date: 12/22/06, written by Spencer Priest
Record Label: Sparrow Records
Album length: 13 tracks: 57 minutes, 43 seconds
Street Date: December 26, 2006
Buy It:Amazon.com
Record Label: Sparrow Records
