Matt Redman - We Shall Not Be Shaken
Artist:
Title:
We Shall Not Be Shaken
Type:
Album
Released:
25 Aug 2009 (US), 09 Nov 2009 (UK)
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Review
Matt Redman is back after a 3 year absence with his stunning new album 'We Shall Not Be Shaken'. If there is one worship leader who has helped shaped the course of modern church music more than any other, then it has to be Matt. As one of the forerunners of the modern worship era, Matt's songs have been regularly sung in churches all around the world for the past 15 years. Anyone who claims to have any level of knowledge about Christian music will almost certainly be familiar with at least one of his songs. 'Heart Of Worship', 'Blessed...
Read More Matt Redman is back after a 3 year absence with his stunning new album 'We Shall Not Be Shaken'. If there is one worship leader who has helped shaped the course of modern church music more than any other, then it has to be Matt. As one of the forerunners of the modern worship era, Matt's songs have been regularly sung in churches all around the world for the past 15 years. Anyone who claims to have any level of knowledge about Christian music will almost certainly be familiar with at least one of his songs. 'Heart Of Worship', 'Blessed Be Your Name' and 'Once Again (Jesus Christ)' are just a few of his most popular songs.
So when a new Redman album is released there is a surge of expectancy and excitement, as musicians wait eagerly for an inspired selection of songs they might replicate in their church services each Sunday. Matt has always been an incredible lyricist, but with this new album 'We Shall Not Be Shaken', the music shows a refined maturity that progresses further than his previous releases, making this album the complete article. It truly is a fantastic work of art.
Opening track 'This Is How We Know' contains the typical Redman lyrics, with a catchy chorus and sets the tone for a worship album that pitches itself squarely between songs for the church, and songs for simply listening to. 'Remembrance (Communion Song)' is a quiet beautiful song, which as its title suggest contains lyrics all about communion, "...take this bread, take this wine...", leading to a stunning chorus that is just asking to be sung during those most worshipful moments of your communion service.
'For Your Glory' is one of many examples of some fabulous guitar work culminating in yet another brilliant chorus. Then there is 'Gloria' which opens like a Coldplay or U2 ballad, with those high pitched jangling guitars, making way for Matt's strong voice, "Gloria, Heaven and earth sing how great You are". 'My Hope' is a quiet simple ballad, just Matt and a simple keyboard tune, then later a stirring string section eases into the background. Not one to be sung by a congregation, but a great example of Redman's ample talents.
'We Shall Not Be Shaken' is probably the song most likely to stand up well to reproduction by church bands throughout the world. The chorus is fast paced and great to sing along to. But the highlight of the album has to be 'How Great Is Your Faithfulness', a true Christian anthem and a song you are going to hear repeatedly over the next few years. Its verses feel like a modern hymn and the chorus, with its almost chanted lines, is simply brilliant. It's one of those songs that you pick up within seconds, but keep on singing for days.
Musically this album is excellent, with amazing guitars, sparingly used strings and a series of stunning choruses. Lyrically it more than lives up to what you would expect from Redman's inspirational songwriting. Put simply, you won't find a better worship album this year. You will definitely want to buy it.
Purchase 'We Shall Not Be Shaken'
Review by Dave Wood
LTTM rating 5 out of 5 Stars
Standout Tracks
How Great Is Your Faithfulness
We Shall Not Be Shaken
For Your Glory
Articles
Matt Redman's brand new album 'We Shall Not Be Shaken' is released in the UK today (3rd September), following its US release last week. In an interview with LouderThanTheMusic, Matt said, "Much of the album centres around the…
Matt Redman will release his brand new studio album 'We Shall Not Be Shaken' on 3rd September 2009. The finishing touches were completed last week on what is one of the most eagerly awaited Christian albums of the year.…
