Customer Reviews

Empty & Beautiful

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Pauline epistles inspire the title track of Empty and Beautiful, written in advance of the declaration of the year dedicated to the ministry of St. Paul. "In life, we end up having to empty ourselves to achieve that which is beautiful," Matt says. "If you don't, you never really get made beautiful. It's a weird dichotomy, especially in the world we live in because there's so much focus on beauty. The whole idea of having to empty one's self to achieve beauty is completely counter cultural, but that's what happens-marriage, service of the poor, sharing the beauty of the gospel. That's what Christ calls us to do, and I hope these songs will help inspire people to follow Jesus in that way." The title song envisions not only St. Paul's imprisonment and salvation, but also our personal liberation through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This moving anthem, beautifully arranged and produced, typifies Matt's artistry: songs that sound great and showcase lyrics that have the ability to change lives.

Some of my personal favorites on Empty and Beautiful include "Great Things", a twenty-first century recounting of the Magnificat with the slightest hint of a country twinge and "As It Is In Heaven", the sole non-Maher produced track on the CD. "As It Is In Heaven", produced by Ed Cash, gives brilliant testimony to a God who is Father of us all. Maher fans will be thrilled with the inclusion of "Your Grace Is Enough" on this project. This Matt Maher fan favorite, which has become a worship industry standard, has never sounded better. Each of the twelve tracks that comprise Empty and Beautiful underscores Matt Maher's message that our hearts are truly empty without our God, who lovingly and faithfully calls us to lay down our lives in service of His Gospel and our neighbors.

Having had an opportunity to chat with Matt Maher in the midst of his hectic touring schedule was truly a grace-filled encounter for this mom. With his music and with a life led "practicing what he preaches", Matt is responding to the very call about which he sings. Matt emanates a humility and a deep spirituality that is touching and affirming. As a parent, I am thrilled to have CDs such as Empty and Beautiful to share with my family - great songs with a great message that you'll love as much as your kids do.

I realy like the songs "Maranatha" and "Leave A Light On"! The song "Your Grace is Enough" and some others on this album are actually re-recorded form previous albums.

I recommend Matt Maher's "Welcome to Life", "The End and The Beginning", and "Overflow" Albums as well. "Empty & Beautiful" is the first album on the Sony/Provident/Essential label!

God Bless.

Awesome, upbeat, Catholic rock music. The kids and I are jammin on the way to baseball practice each night to Matt Maher. It's great when you can find music to please everyone and even better when Daddy is on board with the music!

This is Matt's best music. He just gets better and deeper with each song. If you get the chance to see him in concert, don't miss it!

Matts new cd is awesome,superb. He,s right up there as far as talent with the likes of Bob Carlise, Ross Parsley,Chris Tomiln & many others. Id go out as quick as I could & buy this Cd. you,ll be glad you did.

For anyone that needs a fantastic CD that will make you dance for joy and turn your heart to the Lord, you need this CD! I love the entire album, but especially "Empty and Beautiful", "Look Like A Fool" and "Lay it Down". Matt Maher is truly one of God's Disciple's and is he is using his amazing gifts to bring all of us closer to Christ! This kid is amazing!

Support this guy! He's the next big thing in Christian Music!!!

Matt Maher is my favorite Catholic artist out there. His songs are inspirational and very well written and preformed. The songs on this new CD are great and i recommend this, along with his other three CD's to everyone. This is a must buy if you want to start listening to music with a better message, or are a fan of Catholic/Christian music already. I've also met Matt, and hes just an all around nice guy, which made me want this CD even more!

I have wanted to buy this album for the last two years. Although I didn't know who Matt Maher was, I am a 27 year-old Catholic with disabilities so I've come to love "Your Grace is Enough". Maher's material helps me cope with having disabilties (Asperger's Syndrome and paralysis) and to manage with my lifestyle, that is, celibacy, because I am trying to focus on my studies. Living as such can be difficult, but it's the only way for me at the moment.

I bought this record because of the song, "As It Is In Heaven". I love being able to sing the "Lord's Prayer" in the modern Christian Music style of today. I also discovered that the albumn has eleven other songs that help call me to worship Him. Buy it and enjoy!

The album is very well done and has some great music. There isn't a song on the CD that I skip when it comes up on my iPod.