Matt Redman

Item: The Friendship And The Fear
Author: James Stewart

The Friendship And The Fear

(1997)

Reviewed by James Stewart

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Label Survivor RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth1998

modern rock pop rock worship

One of the most influential movements amongst young British Christians is "Soul Survivor." It originally grew out of a popular charismatic evangelical conference called "New Wine," but Soul Survivor has now established its own festival, youth church, celebration events, and magazine, and has a strong reputation for worship music. Matt Redman is the main worship leader involved with the Soul Survivor organisation and has quickly established himself alongside Kendrick et al. as one of the most respected worship songwriters of modern times.

This (Matt's third album) brings us a more mature sound with thirteen new worship songs, many of which have quickly caught on in churches across the UK and further afield. The sound is difficult to pin down, built up on many levels underneath Matt's slightly husky vocals. I have heard the sound described as reminiscent of early U2 recordings, and I can definitely hear that influence. But there are many other sounds present, mainly acoustic guitar-based, with funky electric guitar sounds, keyboards, and a variety of both programmed and live percussion being the mainstays.

Lyrically this album contains a strong theme of striving for holiness alongside the expected songs of adoration and commitment. The songwriting is a real step up from some of Matt's older material, with a refreshing honesty:

I need to get the fire back,
Lord, like the first time,
I need to get the fire back,
You are my first love.
The embers still remain,
But, Lord, I miss the flame.
I need to get the fire back.
(from "I Need to Get the Fire Back")

Joining these honest lyrics is the extremely powerful "Once Again." Having heard this song played live in a more stripped down format, I would have preferred that same acoustic form here. The arrangement sounds a little "busy", but the lyrics remain the focal point:

Jesus Christ, I think upon Your sacrifice;
You became nothing, poured out to death.
Many times I've wondered
At your gift of life,
And I'm in that place once again,
I'm in that place once again.

For me, the musical standouts here are "Can We Walk Upon the Water" and the title track. The former builds around a distorted guitar foundation, with acoustic guitar, keyboard and piano mixed around it. There is more energy here than in the rest of the album, and it makes a nice break while still holding with the overall style - granted, it does suffer slightly from its length (as do many of the other tracks), but this is only a slight drawback. "The Friendship and the Fear," one of a couple acoustic tracks, is a very laidback ending to the album - only featuring an acoustic guitar and a sprinkling of synthesiser:

There is one thing you have spoken,
There are two things I have found;
You O Lord are ever loving,
You O Lord are ever strong.
I am longing to discover
Both the closeness and the awe,
Feel the nearness of your whisper,
Hear the glory of your roar

There is a range of musical styles present, but this album does have a cohesiveness about it. Some people who liked earlier Matt Redman albums have said they are a little disappointed with this one; the musical tone is a little darker, and the lyrics are a little more introspective. I found this provides a good contrast against many of the more lively worship albums that are currently available and, for me at least, opens up a different area of worship.

(This review is of the UK version.)

3.5 tocks