Matt Maher 'The Love In Between" Review

This is the third studio album from Matt Maher titled The Love In Between. The twelve track album sees Matt look at the ideas of suffering, grace, redemption and hope. The Canadian singer/songwriter is well known for writing moving worship anthems like Your Grace Is Enough, As It Is In Heaven, Hold Us Together and Christ Is Risen. Alongside the album, Matt Maher will launch the first in a series of headline tours in Texas in early September with support acts One Sonic Society (Jason Ingram, Stu G., Paul Mabury) and Sons & Daughters (David Leonard, Leslie Jordan).

First track on the album Rise Up starts with just drums until the whole band bursts into life with guitars and bass, once the chorus kicks in the whole song moves to another level. Matt sings with a bit more velocity "Rise Up, Rise Up, when this nightmare has got you down". He sings that even in times of difficulty, fix your eyes on Jesus no matter what. There is a lot going on in this song with a great guitar part and a gospel choir really belting it out, this is one stunning opener. The guitar led songs continue with Turn Around pushing the rock sound forward, with a tiny hint of country rock making it an interesting second track, but what makes it stand out is the many voices singing together at the end, all very Arcade Fire.

The album takes a slightly slower mid tempo pace in Heaven Help Me. This mid rock track again has that country feel to it that Matt Maher has become well known for. The slower tracks follow into Every Little Prison (Deliver Me) which has a bit more of a driving rolling feel with hints of Mumford and Sons, with a big guitar rock sound in the chorus, this is something different to a lot of worship songs out there and definitely a standout moment.

One thing I really like about Matt Maher is his vocals, he doesn't have the obvious normal style, instead his distinctive harsh voice makes him stand out. This can be heard in songs Woke Up America and the heart beating opening to the track Heaven & Earth, the latter being a beautiful intimate piece of music - close your eyes and get lost in this song. The album jumps back into life with rocking tracks Write Your Love On My Heart and acoustic rock On My Way which has a bluesy stance and style to it. Love it.

Matt Maher is a strong songwriter and this album has a style that is distinctive to him. There are quite a few stronger tracks that could have made it onto my standout tracks list, and I'm sure if you asked me on another day the list would change (On My Way really should be on there). Take a listen and pick your three as this album is full of classic Matt Maher songs.

Standout Tracks
Rise Up
Every Little Prison (Deliver Me)
Heaven And Earth