Matt Redman, the mastermind behind such worship favorites as "Better Is One Day" and "Heart of Worship," now offers his latest effort, FaceDown. Clocking in at over sixty-three minutes, it is thirteen tracks of live, energetic worship to the Savior of the universe.

It's hard to review a live, modern worship disc. A big part of reviewing any music is originality. And, well, when it comes to most worship CDs, the music is rarely ever really… new. Unless a truly revolutionary artist comes along and seriously mixes things up (a la David Crowder Band, Rock ‘N' Roll Worship Circus, Delirious?), it's all basic, catchy music. I suppose you can only give a disc like this points according to its accessibility? Most likely not. It is praise to the Father (Another reason reviewing worship music is hard… how can you demerit music aimed directly at God?). In the end, I suppose it really just comes down to taste. If you dig modern worship, this is your cup ‘o tea. If not, Matt Redman is most certainly not for you.

With that out of the way, Facedown is 11 songs, as well as two audible worship tracks, of absolute praise, worship, and reverence to God. The entire disc feels like an intimate Sunday night worship service. Slowing down at times, and gaining momentum at others, the pacing is perfect. Redman brings to mind Planetshakers on Facedown, with great backing female vocals. Chris Tomlin even makes an appearance on "Worthy, You Are Worthy."

It's all about preference. Redman has put together a solid hour-plus of music. But only those into the modern worship scene need apply. Facedown is a great, albeit exclusive, piece of work.

- Review date: 06/12/04, written by Josh Taylor