The Father's Song

The Father's Song
Matt Redman
Available from Christian bookshops
CD £14.99. Cassette £9.99

Matt Redman's previous album, 'Intimacy', became one of the best-selling in UK Christian music history and this follow-up will no doubt equal its success.

Redman's ministry grew from his involvement in the youth-oriented 'Soul Survivor' Christian summer festivals so, as you might expect, many of these songs wouldn't sound out of place on the radio (apart from the lyrics of course!). Featuring collaborations with Zark Porter of World-Wide-Message-Tribe fame and U.S. alternative-worship band Sonic Flood, this album has wide-ranging musical influences. An extra vocal dimension comes courtesy of the London Community Gospel Choir who provide backing on several tracks.

There are some thought-provoking quieter moments such as 'You Must Increase' and 'Nothing Is Too Much' - both challenging ballads on the subject of humility before God. Of course there are the customary volume-cranking tracks too. The anthemic 'Take The World But Give Me Jesus', has to be played as loud as your stereo will go and the words are worth hearing loud too! 'I've thrown it all away / That I might gain a life in you / I've found all else is loss / Compared to the joys of knowing you / Your beauty and your majesty are far beyond compare / You've won my heart, now this will be by prayer / Take the world but give me Jesus'.

Many of Matt Redman's songs are well used in the nation's churches and I guess the intention was to write a collection of songs for that purpose. The arrangements are quite complicated though and somehow I can't see many of these being used outside festivals such as Spring Harvest, and the largest of churches. Of course, that won't prevent anyone enjoying and being blessed by 'The Father's Song' blaring from their car stereo!

Thought-provoking, challenging, inspiring, moving and exciting. All in all, another fine album from arguably the UK's best-known worship leader.

Jon Mason

© Evangelicals Now - July 2000
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