It has long been said that a person never gets a second chance to make a first impression. If this venerable adage is, indeed, true, then the opening strains of Matt Gilman's second album, Awaken Love, ought to go a long way toward endearing him to those who are hearing his music for the first time. The opening cut, "As the Deer," is blessed with a rock-solid melody, mesmerizing high-lonely vocals and a gradually-building tempo, which works like a sort of aural undertow, bringing the listener slowly, but surely, into its grasp. The pair of tracks that follow - the grand, piano-driven "This Is My Beloved" and the letter-perfect pop number, "Eyes of Mercy" - each possess an effortless and grand beauty that renders them every bit as appealing as the opening tune.
From that point on, however, things take a decided turn toward the average. That's not to say that the material on the record, itself, is unpleasant. But, songs like "Every Captive Free," "New Jerusalem" and the title track, despite being sure-fire radio hits, don't bring much to the table that hasn't already been done, and heard, many times before. Devotees of the pop/worship genre will likely find Awaken Love roughly on par with the music to which they listen. For everyone else, though, the first three cuts, alone, may spark mild interest. But the remainder of the proceedings will likely convince them to take a pass on Gilman's sophomore project in the hopes that his next release will be graced with a more unique and engaging set of compositions.
- Review date: 11/8/18, written by Bert Gangl of Jesusfreakhideout.comRecord Label: Forerunner Music
NEEDTOBREATHE's Sold Out Red Rocks Performance Set to Stream Globally May 19 Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:25:00 EST |
Hezekiah Walker Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Love Fellowship Tabernacle Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:15:00 EST |
Alex Henry Foster Announces New Album, "Kimoyo" Wed, 27 Mar 2024 13:55:00 EST |
Barbara Mandrell's 'Precious Memories: 20 Hymns and Gospel Classics' Tops Christian Albums Chart Wed, 27 Mar 2024 13:15:00 EST |
Patrick Mayberry Earns First No. 1 At Radio With Psalm 23-Inspired "Lead On Good Shepherd" Tue, 26 Mar 2024 15:10:00 EST |
Atlanta, GA's Grungepunks To Release "The Fall Blues EP" Tue, 26 Mar 2024 15:00:00 EST |
Ryan Stevenson Delivers Summertime Vibes with "Just As You Are" Tue, 26 Mar 2024 13:30:00 EST |
Demi-Leigh Tebow to release debut book this August Mon, 18 Mar 2024 21:20:38 +0000 |
LIFELINE CHILDREN’S SERVICES, GRUPO NELSON PUBLISHERS CO-HOST BOOK LAUNCH AND SIGNING FOR “WHOSE AM I?” Thu, 14 Mar 2024 15:49:00 +0000 |
EEM’s Bibles for Kids Initiative to Provide 570,000 Free Bibles to Children & Teens in 2024 Mon, 04 Mar 2024 22:33:43 +0000 |