Alive Again

Matt Maher

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 22, 2009)
• Original Release Date: September 22, 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Essential / Bmg
• ASIN: B002JOGSGU
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,407 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, spirit-filled Christian art, September 23, 2009

By	C. J. Kellerman (Irving, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is Matt Maher's second release on a major label, but his fifth album. Maher has never released a mediocre record, and his albums have gotten progressively better. With "Alive Again," however, the Canadian Catholic takes his music to an entirely new level-- one even more mature, artistic, and meditative than that of his previous albums.

The lyrics in the title track, "Alive Again," are inspired by a famous passage from Augustine's Confessions, and the song is a moving depiction of conversion moved by God's grace. A pop-alternative sound (Coldplay-influenced), which is somewhat new to Maher's music, is a suitable canvas to his moving lyrics: "You called and you shouted,/ broke through my deafness/ Now I'm breathing in, and breathing out/ I'm alive again." This song has an expressive power that explodes with Maher's near-shouting cry at the end: "And I'll do whatever I have to/ just to get through/ cause I love you, yeah I love you."

The album includes a few traditional (though refreshing) praise-and-worship songs, including "No Greater Love," "Sing Over Your Children," and "Christ Has Risen." They're all full of Maher's characteristic joyful and spirit-filled lyrics.

A major highlight is "Hold Us Together," which has every reason to be a cross-over hit. The music is almost-folksy alternative rock with lyrics reminding us that only love can bring our lives hope and meaning. If this song doesn't put a smile on your face, I don't know what will.

Other highlights include "Letting Go" and "Garden," which may remind listeners of indie singers Ray Lamontagne and Damien Rice: Maher uses their raw, close-to-the-mic vocal techniques to bring Christian music into a new setting. It's spectacular.

Finally, "You Were On the Cross" will be the new retreat meditation song. The lyrics are beautiful, with a "Footprints in the Sand"-type message, and a surprising but effective ending using violin, cello, and piano.

The songs were all co-written, and I think this adds new perspective and creativity to Matt's music. Production is top-notch, and his melodies stay in a perfect, powerful register for his voice.

It's great art, and it leads to true meditation, contemplation, and conversion. Highly recommended!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great music Matt!, November 20, 2009

By	L. Massa (Tempe, AZ United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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My wife has this CD playing in the car constantly. When she gets out of the car she is still singing the songs. What more can I say...

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great release!, November 6, 2009

By	Michelle Smah (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews

Maher's releases keep getting better and better. There are some incredible songs on this cd--the title track, You Were on the Cross, Christ is Risen--to name a few. You will enjoy this!