Drew Bartlett
Alex Tironati
Stephen Vicino
Eli Reznekervitz
Cameron Bartlett
Kris Lori Fuentes Cortes
Brittney Reyna
Keith Ouellette
Matthew Mikaelian
Jonathan Faulkner
Tracklisting:
Rise Up (3:23)
Turn Around (4:14)
Heaven Help Me (3:47)
Every Little
Prison (3:43)
Woke Up in America (4:39)
Heaven and Earth (4:23)
Write Your Love On My Heart (3:09)
Album length: 12 tracks: 47 minutes, 42 seconds
Street Date: September 20, 2011
For almost a decade now Matt Maher has been blessing the Contemporary Worship industry with his raspy tenor vocals and his southern rock worship style. But if you're looking for a worship album when listening to his latest album The Love In Between you will be disappointed, however if you are looking for a strong outing that will encourage and challenge you then look no further The Love in Between will do just that.5/5
Stylistically Maher doesn't stray much from his familiar musical tendencies. However Maher still proves that he can rock on tracks like "Rise Up" "Turn Around" and "Every Little Prison" all show off Maher's musical talent. "Rise Up" almost seems like the perfect album opener musically because it wakes the listener up and gets them ready for the rest of the album. "Woke Up In America" starts slow but makes a seemingly flawless transition into the chorus. The song itself almost sounds more like a Country Ballad showing that Maher can branch out to other styles.
Lyrically Maher another step away from his traditional worship routes and the result is pretty good. Following themes of darkness, hope and love Maher delivers with each new track. "Turn Around" focuses on people who are fighting through financial and spiritual hardships in the current economy, "Rise Up" is a call to those who are barely hanging on in their faith and struggling. Matt sings "Rise Up, Rise Up, when the world has got you down, Look up, Look up, when you search and nothings found" The bridge gives us the hope of Jesus that we need to look up to. "Woke Up in America" is a patriotic tribute, but also doubles as a song of devotion to God and His kingdom. "New State of Mind" and "My Only Love" are love songs that also double as the albums two ballads. "The Spirit and the Bride" works as the albums closer and is really the only worship song on the album.
All in all The Love in Between exceeds expectations initially set for it. It will most defiantly be a favorite of fans of Matt Maher for a long time to come. I highly recommend this album if you are looking for a present or just want a strong addition to your collection.
Jon Faulkner
Altrocklive.com