Friday Favorites: Review of Matt Maher’s, “Saints and Sinners”- by Craig Adams

Artist: Matt Maher

Album: Saints and Sinners

Label: Provident

Matt Maher is certainly no stranger to the worldwide Christian worship community. Those who love Matt’s songs and musical ministry will be thrilled to hear his latest offering, Saints and Sinners, brought to us by Provident Label Group. Those who have not yet discovered Matt’s creative artistry will be fast-fans when they hear this release.

Matt Maher consistently delivers rich theological lyric content, complimented by sing-able melodies and music that moves the heart and soul. Continuing this tradition, Saints and Sinners is filled with great new songs for the Church to sing.

The breakout first single from the album, Because He Lives (Amen), has become one of the most popular new worship anthems in U.S. virtually overnight. Alongside this favored song are other notable titles, including A Future Not My Own, Sons and Daughters, Abide With Me, Rest, and Because of You.

Musically, this album uniquely gathers in elements from the earthy acoustic pop arena and infuses sounds reminiscent of worship albums from the heart of the UK and Ireland. Punchy drums, ornate keyboards, and passionate lead vocals further punctuate the predominantly guitar-driven tracks throughout much of the project. Uncommon and impactful are the abbreviated moments interspersed throughout the album: The Field of Stars, The Invocation, and The Waiting.

Added bonuses are the 17^th and 18^th tracks, Garden (Live) and Because He Lives (Amen) Unplugged. These intimate and special moments take you closer to the heart of this extraordinarily gifted singer/songwriter.

Like so much of what Matt Maher has delivered to the Church in days gone by, this album provides the Church with a lot to think about and to sing for days to come!

Craig Adams, a recipient of multiple Dove Awards, has produced and/or participated in more than 3,500 recordings for artists, record labels, music publishers, tv/film, and radio over the past 35 years. In addition, his vast experience in music production, local church worship ministry, and musical direction for live events, along with his work at Lifeway Worship, gives him the talent, experience, and credibility to not only listen, but really hear, what each album delivers to the listeners.