10000 Reasons [Import]

Matt Redman may be the premier songwriter in Christian music over the past fifteen years as the writer of worship classics "The Heart of Worship," "Better Is One Day," "Blessed Be Your Name," "You Never Let Go" and most recently "Our God," which he co-wrote with Chris Tomlin for the Passion: Awakening collection and many more modern worship anthems sung by tens of millions every week in worship services around the world. Matt's hit song "Shine" was part of the Passion: God Of This City album and "Here For You" is the opening track from Passion: Here For You. My favorite story about Matt Redman, a native of England, is that in response to his church having too much focus on music his pastor suggested they take a break from singing which led to his writing "The Heart of Worship." The lyrics "I'm coming back to the heart of worship, it's all about You" sums up Matt's ministry and focus on vertical worship. His sincere singing and songwriting style and biblical inspired lyrics have made me a huge fan of Matt Redman.

10,000 Reasons sticks to the style that fans have come to admire and respect about Matt, starting off with a great up-tempo song with Matt and a live audience singing "We Are The Free," which has a great energy and reminds me of "Freedom Is Here" by Hillsong UNITED both in upbeat music and celebratory message. "Here For You" was also recently recorded by Chris Tomlin on the most recent Passion: Here For You collection and it's a wonderful congregational song with the hooky and worshipful chorus: "To You our hearts are open, Nothing here is hidden, You are our one desire, You alone are holy, Only You are worthy, God let Your fire fall down." Matt is truly a gifted songwriter similar to fellow British worship artists Tim Hughes and Martin Smith of Delirious.

Some other stand-out moments on this very catchy album are the amazing songs "10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)" and first single "Never Once." "10,000 Reasons" really excites me as a worshipper and musically is my favorite song on this great album, the most complete album by Redman in my opinion. I would love to sing this song with fellow believers as the song has great energy and reminds me of "I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever" by Delirious as Matt and the congregation declares in unity, "Bless the Lord, Oh my soul, Oh my soul worship His Holy Name, Sing like never before, Oh my soul, I'll worship Your Holy Name." "Never Once" is a great worship anthem and a surefire hit song. It has a Brit-rock musical feel and one of the catchiest lyrical hooks I've ever heard. The chorus has Matt belting out, "Never once did we ever walk alone, never once did You leave us on our own, You are faithful, God You are faithful." Amen to that! One of Matt's strengths is the strong biblical truth of his songs, and he prays and calls upon our King Jesus in every single song. There is absolutely no doubt Who these songs are about.

CLOSING THOUGHTS (Staff Review, NewReleaseTuesday.com)
I've been collecting Matt Redman's albums since 1999's The Heart Of Worship and he is my favorite overall worship leader in all of Christian music. For me, the stand-out songs that you'll want to start singing at your church are "We Are The Free," "Here For You," "10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)" and first single "Never Once," which are my favorite songs on the album. If you like Hillsong LIVE, Chris Tomlin and Tim Hughes then you must get 10,000 Reasons which is one of the best worship albums of the year and the best overall album by Matt Redman in my opinion. Matt enthusiastically sings Brit-rock style praise and worship and every single song could be added to your Sunday morning worship set.

Not much to say, it's another great release from Matt Redman. He was able to stay true to himself and be relevant to the current flow of contemporary worship. It's genuine and real, which cannot be said of some other "worship" albums that have come out. It's worth the purchase and I'm sure, when listening to it in your time of worship and praise, it will bless you.

Matt Redman is one of my favorite P&W artists, but I've been left wanting since his Face Down album. This album finally fills that gap. Really great songs, and love that many of the songs are live. If you don't own this album, get it. Great job, Matt.

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