February 19, 2007

 

2007, Sparrow Records

 

Reviewed by Chris Anderson

 

 

The Miracle of Life

 

God held a wonderful surprise for Matt Redman and his producers. Inspired by Psalm 139, the song, “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made” was penned by Redman just moments after seeing the ultrasound of his son. The miracle of life at its earliest stages naturally drove Redman to worship the Creator.

 

 

Now, as Redman entered the studio to wrap up production on this song that celebrates life, he wanted to try something. He introduced a recording—the heartbeat of a 16-week-old fetus. Stunningly, the pulse of this infant’s life perfectly matched the tempo of the song’s introduction. The producers, and Redman, sat in seeming disbelief.

 

 

Listen closely to the opening of Track 9. Indeed, God is worshipped and life is deemed precious. In September 2006, Rocco Benjamin Redman was born.

 

 

This is just one of many incredible stories captured by Redman’s latest release. This album proves that Redman is not about Redman. Oh sure, his merchandise will naturally be donned by appreciative fans, but he’d trade everything for just a little more Jesus.

 

 

A Rare Breed

 

Telling the world about our God and Savior is a task for which Redman is obviously grateful. But unlike many modern-day worshippers, Redman rarely addresses the listener, instead turning his entire focus God-ward in confidence that those who also love Jesus will likewise lift their voices toward heaven.

 

 

God gifted him as a worship leader. Every song proves that Redman lives his life through a Holy-Ghost filter, constantly meditating upon the mystery of God. Beautiful News? You betcha.

 

 

In songs like “Yes and Amen” and “If You Know You’re Loved,” you can sense the heralding throngs of heaven worshipping alongside Redman. The body yearns to be in a cloud of witnesses, all of whom are lifting their hands and hearts toward God—rejoicing, praising, dancing, and feeling the healing touch promised by the Beautiful News. Redman can’t help but to lead others to worship God.

 

Influences

 

While Redman relied upon his own talents to write many of the songs, he also teamed up with two of worship’s finest for collaborative songwriting efforts. Martin Smith (Delirious) assisted Redman in the upbeat and evangelistic “Take It to the Streets” and “All over the World.” Paul Baloche co-wrote “A Greater Song,” making it the title track of Baloche’s latest release.

Additionally, an astute ear can’t help but notice how recording at London’s

Abbey Road

might have affected Redman’s effort. While modern worship often suffers from reliance upon predictable transition, in contrast, Redman frequently turns transitions on end. Paul McCartney would definitely approve.

 

All in all, Beautiful News is a rewarding and uplifting album that would be a great addition to any record collection—Christian and non. Every song contains a scriptural foundation that draws the soul to worship alongside this artist.

 

Weaknesses (if you call them weaknesses)

 

1. None of the songs contain the repetitive repetition that makes singing along effortless (“How Great is Our God” comes to mind). With each listen, the ear becomes more familiar with Redman’s message, but the hooks fail to grab firmly enough to make this album a chartbuster, though I’d love to be wrong.

 

1. As stated earlier, Redman is not about Redman; he is about God. This lack of self-indulgent charisma, while appreciated, makes the album less distinctive than other Christian artists. The songs are strong, but could be sung by any well-produced artist to the same effect.

 

For those looking to cyber-sample songs from Beautiful News, I recommend the following:

 

• “Beautiful News”
• “Never Let Go”
• “Yes and Amen”
• “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made”
• “When All Is Said and Done”

 

The best news of all is Redman’s not done. With his constant gaze upon the splendor of God, we can be assured that God will continue to use him, both to create tremendous music, but more importantly to mentor young artists.

 

Look for an opportunity to hear Matt Redman live in 2007. The music on Beautiful News was intended to be enjoyed during good fellowship.

 

ninetyandnine.com

 

 

© 2007, Chris Anderson

---------

 

Before his conversion in 1999, Chris Anderson served as Program Director and deejay for several Central Illinois radio stations, including the Classic Rock, Modern Rock, Country, and Top 40 formats. During this time BC, he also managed several rock, folk, and death metal bands, while also performing in a heathen rock act called Joyhammer. Chris is also a recent graduate of Urshan Graduate School of Theology.