Matt Maher

(Stay to the end for a gigantic giveaway!)

I approach contemporary Christian music the same way I approach my jeans (and yes, I realize that is an especially unholy analogy, but work with me).  I'm super-picky (is the theology good?  is the music pretty? does the waistband have a little give to it?), I don't choose very many, but I wear out my favorites and become a loyal fan for life.

That's a lighthearted way to say, in all seriousness, that the lyrics, the writing and the thought behind each song all matter to me.  I like artists who seem to be really grappling with the deeper issues of faith.

I've added a new favorite to my ultra-selective repertoire of favorites:  Matt Maher.   I got a sneak peak of his new CD, and I'm not kidding that it's the ONLY CD I've listened to for the last three weeks.  It's named after track 7, "Empty and Beautiful", which is an ironic title--although this CD is deeply beautiful, it is the opposite of empty.  There is some meaty stuff in there--this guy is an amazing musician and writer.  (Check out his bio here for his story).

My favorite song on the CD is...um...all of them?  If I had to pick a favorite, I'd say it's the title track, "Empty and Beautiful":

You fought the fight in me;
You chased me down and finished the race.
I was blind but now I see.
Jesus, you kept the faith in me.

Or possibly "Leave a Light On," since it has a little vignette (is that the right word?) in the middle referencing one of my favorite old Southern Baptist children's songs.  "Lay It Down" is a simple and precious worship chorus that will probably be sung in church camps for generations.  Many of the songs on this CD come, at least in part, directly from Scripture.  "Great Things", for example, comes from the Magnificat, and "For Your Glory" comes from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.

This CD hits stores today, and Matt's record label is offering 100 bloggers a free copy.  Hurry, because it's limited to the first hundred participants!  (If you miss it, you can buy his CD here for only $8.97.)  Go here to read the details of the mega-giveaway--the only requirement is that you have a blog with a minimum of 50 page views a month.  You're going to love this CD, seriously--let me know what you think once you hear it.

Comments

[Ann @ Holy Experience]

He is the *only* one who keeps the faith in me...

Beautiful...

Thank you, Shannon

[Shalee]

Thanks for the heads up, Shannon. I've been listening for the last few minutes and I really like what I'm hearing.

Anytime we can add great music with fantastic messages to the music library in our house, we rejoice not only for ourselves, but for our kids who are listening along with us.

[momrn2]

Thank You!!!

[Brenda on the S OR Coast]

Wow! I just went there and filled out the form. I was sure I wouldn't be among the first 100 in the entire blogosphere... but I am!

Thank you so much for sharing this! I can't wait to hear the CD! I'm all exclamation points about the whole thing! =)

[Shannon Miller]

I love his music - Thanks for letting me know about this!

[Britni]

Thanks. I've never heard him, but I'm excited to get the free CD!

[Caren]

My favorite Bible verses are Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, so much so that it is on my personalized car license plate.
I can't wait to hear Matt Maher's song "For Your Glory." Thanks for the info.

[Melanie]

The piano is amazing. Reminds me of Michael W.
Great lyrics. Thanks for the link.

[peter]

http://all_hiesto_here.ifastnet.com

[not-so-deep Denise]

I won! I couldn't believe it! You made it sound so good - I can't wait to hear it!

[jen]

Thanks for posting about this! I've been listening to this for the past hour and I can't wait to get the CD in the mail. I was pretty sure I'd be too late for the giveaway but I was able to get a freebie! I'll definitely be letting all my friends, relatives and readers hear about this!

[Plastic Daffodils]

I actually managed to get a CD! I haven't heard Matt's music before, so I'm looking forward to listening and reviewing it. Thanks for posting about the free giveaway!

[Jess]

Already gone. :( Maybe next time!

[Glory]

I will definitely have to check this out. I feel the same way about the music I listen to. Sounds like we have similar taste. I have enjoyed reading your blog. I just tagged you for a MEME. Check it out if you get a chance.

Glory

PS,
Have you heard of Sara Groves? She is one of my favorites.

[Leanne from Canada]

Thank you SO MUCH for the heads up on this CD....I ordered it in faith before I even listened 'cuz I'm not a blogger (yikes, for shame!!). Anyways...I've listened through the whole CD now and am in tears listening to Empty and Beautiful for the 3rd time. I love passion and depth in song writing and this album has both. Thanks again.

[pam]

Thanks for the heads up, really enjoying listening to that CD and I got in on the free CD---always a blessing in our house. We are music freaks.

[Kelsey]

Wow! Awesome!

[Smellyann]

Aw, I'm too late - but thanks!

[Susanne]

Hey,he's from Canada! I can hardly wait to hear the CD!

[Sherida]

Bummer, I missed it! And today is my birthday, too. :(

[Patsy Clairmont]

Okay now I'm certain of it you are a Cheerleader in the body of Christ! You exude joy! And I for one am delighted to tune into your blog to find out what's up with your heart.

Thanks for sharing!

[Christina]

We love Matt! We're hoping to see him (if the babysitter sticks with us) next week!. I just pre-ordered his newest and it should arrive any day!

That is soooo fun to see his CD on your blog, Shannon. I often forget how many people out there know about Matt's music.

His current tour is called 2097 Adore which is taken from our catechism:

"To adore God is to acknowledge, in respect and absolute submission, the "nothingness of the creature" who would not exist but for God. To adore God is to praise and exalt him and to humble oneself, as Mary did in the Magnificat, confessing with gratitude that he has done great things and holy is his name. The worship of the one God sets man free from turning in on himself, from the slavery of sin and the idolatry of the world."

so beautiful.

my favorites are I Rejoice, As it is in Heaven & Your Grace is Enough

[Emily]

Ooh, I see someone beat me to it, but I was going to make sure you've heard Sara Groves too! She's fantastic, and her latest album, Tell Me What You Know is all about social justice issues, which relates a lot to your year! Check out her song "When The Saints" :-)

[Candace (Mama Mia)]

I listened to this CD on his website and it's sooooo good!! I was one of the lucky ones to get a free one- can't wait to get it so I can wear it out :).

[Ashleigh (Heart and Home)]

I cried, sitting in the quiet while the boys napped, listening to "Be Still" today. Amazing stuff on here...