Alive Again

MAHER'S STOCK HAS NEVER BEEN HIGHER

For a time, albeit brief, Matt Maher's success depended upon the voices of others. Bethany Dillon, Michael Olson and Phillips, Craig and Dean have all recorded the Arizona-based worship leader's tunes, but it wasn't until Chris Tomlin chose to record "Your Grace Is Enough" that Maher's name really came to the forefront.

He no longer needs to rely on those proponents, however. His last album, Empty & Beautiful, delivered a solid debut to the worship sphere and served as a proper entry point for the artist to build upon. But it's here on Alive Again that Maher's pop sensibilities and songwriting prowess really come to life (pardon the pun).

The title track bursts forth powerfully, announcing an album worth of our full attention. Lyrical themes of salvation at work should resonate with congregations around the world, and Maher's perfect chorus is instantly memorable. "Sing Over Your Children" brings it down to a pretty, Adult Contemporary level, but even here Maher succeeds beautifully. The minimal acoustic strummer "Hold Us Together" keeps things interesting and lends a country vibe.

Alive Again's second half is its meatier side, with several longer songs and deeper themes. "Flesh and Bone" evokes emotion with an honest look at life ("We're crippled by our fears and torment"). "Remembrance" immediately follows suit and brings to mind Matt Redman's brand-new song of the same name. The album's final track, "Garden," features a plaintive vocal harmony over light acoustic guitar and includes the great line, "You're making my heart a garden." It's another stunning moment on an album ripe with them, solidifying Maher's permanent new home in mainstream consciousness.—Matt Conner