Matt Redman - Facedown

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Live modern worship albums can be the dullest listens particularly when average musicians are "doing a Delirious?" or the sets are full of songs we've already heard on studio albums. But those pitfalls are nimbly avoided on this thrilling set recorded at a worship conference in Atlanta, Georgia. From the joyful opener "Praise Awaits You" with its memorable line "Seasons come and seasons go but you remain, oh Lord" this is clearly a showcase for some of Matt's best new songs for years. The gem here is "Nothing But The Blood", a song which will surely resonate one day from a thousand church sanctuaries. A tremendous song, a passionate vocal from Matt and a timeless contemplation of the ability of Jesus' blood to wash clean our sins. There are several more songs which are rich in spiritual insight and strong in memorable melody. Forget the idea that Matt has let quality control slip by doing a live album. This is magnificent stuff and could well be feeding lifeblood to the Church for years to come.