By Pamela Rose Williams
There are several worship leaders that I can name as my favorite, but truly one that always comes to the top of my list is Matt Redman. His thirteenth album “Glory Song” was released on September 29, 2017. I am delighted to present my review of this album.
About the Artist and the Album
Matt Redman lives near Brighton on the south coast of England with his wife Beth. He and Beth have five children. In Matt’s career and calling as a worship leader (since age 20) he has traveled to many countries and has been honored to sing in places like St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Royal Albert Hall. He also moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to join Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio plant a church called Passion City Church. He and his family stayed in the USA for a couple of years before returning to the UK. You might recognize some of Matt’s most popular songs: “The Heart of Worship”, “You Never Let Go” and “Blessed Be Your Name”. And of course there is that double-Grammy award winning “10,000 Reasons”. He has also written several books with co-authors Beth Redman and Louie Giglio.
For this newest album “Glory Song” Matt Redman teamed up with several of his worship-artist friends, first releasing the track “Gracefully Broken (featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard)” in August 2017. Tasha Cobbs Leonard also released her own version of this song on the same day! The album also features Kierra Sheard, Guvna B, Madison Cunningham, and Kim Walker-Smith.
“O, God take us back
To and unswerving faith
In the power of Your name
A heart beating for Your kingdom to reign
A church that is known for Your presence again
God, take us back”
(Lyrics from title song ‘Simple Pursuit/Glory Song’)
The Music of “Glory Song”
I was not disappointed as I listened to the familiar voice of a gifted worship leader. The music on the album is a mixture of great new praise and worship songs as well as some more contemporary pieces and even a couple of anthems. I love how they included lyrics to all of the songs in the CD liner notes. Here are a few of my thoughts on some of my favorites that I believe are very appropriate to add to your worship sets in church:
“All Glory” – Straight from the Scriptures this song with a great chorus is a perfect call to worship. It glorifies the Father, Son and Spirit and reminds us of how pleasurable it is to “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” (Psalm 100:4)
“Greatest Hallelujah” – This is my favorite track! Perhaps it is because I can envision standing before the throne in Heaven with the saints and angels singing, “Your glory fills the skies, Worthy, You are worthy. Let Your name be lifted high”. Or maybe it is the full gospel choir that is singing backup. No matter the reason, this would be absolutely wonderful as a Special Music presentation right before the Word of God is preached.
“One Day (When We All Get to Heaven)” – Matt has taken this great hymn of faith by Eliza E. Hewitt and has made it a new song. My husband and my children all know that should I precede them in going to Heaven that they will be singing “When We All Get to Heaven” at my grave side. I want it to be a joyous time because when we are absent from the body, we are present with the Lord. I love what Matt has done with this one and I believe it would be a great congregational song in any worship service.
“It is Finished” – In my mind, this is an Easter song. A great call to worship on Easter morning. I would gladly join my brothers and sisters in Christ as we sing “It is finished. It is finished. O, what else is there to say. Shame is silenced. Death defeated, Hallelujah, God be praised”.
“Questions (You are Faithful)” – A great anthem! So many Bible verses came to mind when I heard this song but without a doubt this one sums it up, “For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?” (Romans 3:3) Whether or not some believe, God is still faithful!
“Hope is Marching On” – This is a lovely message of comfort. A great reminder that this world is not our home but while we remain the Lord takes the weight of the world off of our shoulders. This is His promise. We just need to give our burden to Him (Matthew 11:28-30).
“Your Ways” – He always keeps His promises! He supplies all our needs (Philippians 4:19). We don’t need to be anxious (Philippians 4:6-9). He grants us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4). But most of all, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Peter 1:3-4)
Story Behind “Gracefully Broken”
Matt was joined by Tasha Cobbs for this song and as mentioned earlier, she even released her version of the song on the same day. Here is a little video by Matt about this song, followed by a lyric video of the whole song so you can sing along.
Overall Recommendation
This is a lovely album that glorifies God. Most of the songs are appropriate for church and all of them are perfect to worship the Lord anytime. Just like me, you will not be disappointed when you invest into this music that will put more than one new song in your heart. Feel free to use our purchasing links below.
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Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing a music CD for use in this review. Though I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post the opinions and recommendations expressed here are my own. Read my full DISCLOSURE POLICY.
Resources: Bible quotations are from the King James Version of the Bible. Some Matt Redman biography information borrowed from https://mattredman.com/about-matt/. Photo and links provided by Propeller Consulting, LLC .
