Reviewed by Anthony Longville

This release comes from a Kentucky-based social work graduate and for lovers of intriguing titbits Mat is his parents' 18th child! As well as providing the vocals, Mat plays piano and guitar. He has been the Music Minister for Our Lady of Mt Vernon Catholic Church for over 15 years and is a regular worship leader in a number of churches. The music here is wide ranging in style going somewhere beyond the MOR/Soft pop classification given to it. Things don't start off that promisingly, the vocal on the opener "All Praise, Honor And Glory", fleetingly reminiscent of Third Day's Mac Powell, does not always hit the spot and lyrics like "For you are holy, You are mighty, You are worthy of all our praise" bristle with biblical truth but have been done a million times before. But as the CD proceeds, it all starts to sneak up on you. The vocals become stronger with a blue-eyed soul tinge which suits the slower offerings. Of the guitar-based songs "Faith To Move A Mountain" is a toe tapper, and the lyrics are insightful and encouraging. Mat's quality piano work is showcased on the musically hypnotic, mostly instrumental "Runaway Theme", about which Mat encourages the listener to use as a backdrop for intercession for runaways. He's not afraid to try something different either, with the up tempo version of the old children's chorus "Jesus Loves Me" and there's another stab at Stonehill-like social commentary on "I Will Follow You".

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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