Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
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JFH Music Review




Mat Kearney
Bullet



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 11 tracks: 47 minutes, 17 seconds
Street Date: October 19, 2004


Mat Kearney is a fresh new face on InPop Records. Raised in Eugene, Oregon, Kearney's roots in music vary from folk to hip-hop, so it isn't really a surprise that his debut album Bullet offers a healthy blend of the two. With a deep and friendly vocal style, Kearney's poetic lyrics are given a strong outlet and a unique accompaniment.

Bullet doesn't quite open as strong as it deserves with the somewhat monotonous, rather upbeat "Trainwreck." With a rhyme laid over a pop/rock rhythm, the outcome can best be compared to fellow new artist Paul Wright. "Undeniable" is an acoustic-driven hip-hop worship highlight that precedes the catchy title track, "Bullet." A thick hip-hop beat and soulful vocals carry the tragic "Girl America," while the melodies of "In The Middle" will likely cause Dave Matthews fans to do a double take. But while Matthews is often an appropriate comparison, Kearney seems to have more control over his voice, offering a stronger delivery. For the slower material on Bullet, Kearney successfully blends live, resonating drums with beautiful piano melodies all while nicely balancing between soft vocals and well-placed rhymes.

Bullet opens with the bold "Trainwreck" maybe a little too hastily. As the album progresses, Kearney's tenderness in his songwriting unfolds. Much of the record is more carefully laid out than its beginning might suggest, with "Renaissance" being one of the album's strongest moments. With a crisp and clean live sound complimenting the emotionally-charged lyrics that outline a severe car crash and a dissolved relationship, Kearney offers a hopeful chorus, "I can be the wall when you fall down / Find Me on the rocks when you break down / I heard it in the song when you call out / But I got to say now it's got to change."

Easily one of the strongest new solo artists you'll find this year in Christian music, Mat Kearney turns in a debut to turn heads with Bullet. Fans of Paul Wright, John Mayer, and Dave Matthews will especially want to look into this release.

- Review date: 11/8/04, written by John DiBiase of Jesusfreakhideout.com



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. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: InPop Records
. Album length: 11 tracks, 47 minutes and 17 seconds
. Street Date: October 19, 2004
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Trainwreck
  2. Undeniable
  3. Bullet
  4. Girl America
  5. In The Middle
  6. Renaissance
  7. Call Me
  8. Poor Boy
  9. Walking Away
  10. Tomorrow
  11. Won't Back Down
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This Friday, October 17, 2025
ALBUMS
ANTHNY DIARY ENTRY 1 [Provident]
AOH Music BEHOLD (Acoustic Live), Vol. 1 (independent)
Blanca Full Bloom [Curb]
Chris Blue Every Day Is Christmas [Gaither]
Geoff Moore and The Distance Foundations (Re-Release) [Girder]
Geoff Moore and The Distance A Place To Stand (Re-Release) [Girder]
Vince Gill 50 Years From Home: I Gave You Everything I Had - EP [UMG]
Nate Parrish Make Me A Mountain (independent)
Psallos The New and Better Way: Hymns of Hebrews (independent)
Anne Wilson Stars [Capitol CMG]
Megan Woods The Truth EP [Fair Trade]

SINGLES
Elevation Worship Jesus Be The Name - Single [Provident]
F'rael God's Wheel (ft. TRYBISHOP) - Single [Syntax]
Brandon Lake When A Cowboy Prays (Amazon Music Songline) - Single [Provident]
LEON Undefeated - Single [El Rescate Music]
No Vain Glory UNLEADED - Single [Syntax]
Park 7 The Hope Is On The Way - Single (independent)
Rave Jesus & Gracie Binion Need Your Love - Single [Provident]
REFVGE, Cyfë II & WAY? U P W A R D S ft. Bianca Silver & Josh LeCroy - Single [Syntax]
Rhymes In Harmony & MAYIA My Sister - Single [Syntax]
Rock City Worship Gravestone - Single [Capitol CMG]
Anton Scholl Born To Love You - Single [Near Kingdom]
Nathan Sheridan Don't Lose Hope - Single [WieRok]
SNT. VINCENT Feast of the Saints - Single [Syntax]
Vertical Kings Faith In Stereo - Single [Covenant]
Vic Lucas, Essence Natay & Ashleey Barnes Let it Rain - Single [Syntax]
Zane Vickery All Things New - Single (independent)
Aaron Williams Abide (feat. CAIN) - Single [Integrity]

DVD
Chris Blue Every Day Is Christmas DVD [Gaither]

Next Friday, October 24, 2025
ALBUMS
John Allan untitled EP [Centricity]
Dan Bremnes The Villain - EP [Curb]
Clear Convictions Endure [Resuscitation]
God Behind Bars Music Live From Angola Prison Vol. 1 [Provident]
Fepeste This World Ain't Mine to Change [Velvet Blue]
gio. FINE BY ME [Capitol CMG]
Brandon Lake Amazon Music Songline [Provident]
Tyson Motsenbocker Modern Worries [Tooth & Nail]
Smalltown Poets St. Augustine (independent)
Zahriya Zachary Rediscovery [Bethel]

SINGLES
29:11 Worship, Zion Rempel You Never Fail (feat. Emily Guy) - Single [DREAM]
Joe L Barnes Grief, Joy, Gratitude - Single [Provident]
Chad Cory, Zacardi Cortez My First Love (Remix) - Single [DREAM]
Leanna Crawford Beginning Of Your Grace - Single [Provident]
darthy Juniper Tree - Single [WieRok]
Emerson Day Midnight Hour - Single [Fair Trade]
Good Weather Forecast lows2highs - Single [DREAM]
Grace + Max Rich - Single [WieRok]
Mercy Tribe Music The King is in the Room (feat. Ayiesha Woods) - Single (independent)
Mountains in the Sea You Never Fail (feat. Emily Guy) - Single [DREAM]
Seph Schlueter Already On The Way (feat. Benjamin William Hastings) - Single [Provident]
Tomb Slayer The Christmas Lamb (feat. Khristian Dentley & Sarah Whittemore) - Single [Tomb Slayer]
The Undertaking! All Smiles - Single (independent)

VINYL
Clear Convictions Endure [Resuscitation]


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