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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful: My New Favorite!, April 16, 2008 By  Lisa M. Hendey "Lisa, CatholicMom.com Webmaster" (Fresno, CA United States) - See all my reviews       The Pauline epistles inspire the title track of Empty and Beautiful, written in advance of the declaration of the year dedicated to the ministry of St. Paul. "In life, we end up having to empty ourselves to achieve that which is beautiful," Matt says. "If you don't, you never really get made beautiful. It's a weird dichotomy, especially in the world we live in because there's so much focus on beauty. The whole idea of having to empty one's self to achieve beauty is completely counter cultural, but that's what happens-marriage, service of the poor, sharing the beauty of the gospel. That's what Christ calls us to do, and I hope these songs will help inspire people to follow Jesus in that way." The title song envisions not only St. Paul's imprisonment and salvation, but also our personal liberation through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This moving anthem, beautifully arranged and produced, typifies Matt's artistry: songs that sound great and showcase lyrics that have the ability to change lives. Some of my personal favorites on Empty and Beautiful include "Great Things", a twenty-first century recounting of the Magnificat with the slightest hint of a country twinge and "As It Is In Heaven", the sole non-Maher produced track on the CD. "As It Is In Heaven", produced by Ed Cash, gives brilliant testimony to a God who is Father of us all. Maher fans will be thrilled with the inclusion of "Your Grace Is Enough" on this project. This Matt Maher fan favorite, which has become a worship industry standard, has never sounded better. Each of the twelve tracks that comprise Empty and Beautiful underscores Matt Maher's message that our hearts are truly empty without our God, who lovingly and faithfully calls us to lay down our lives in service of His Gospel and our neighbors. Having had an opportunity to chat with Matt Maher in the midst of his hectic touring schedule was truly a grace-filled encounter for this mom. With his music and with a life led "practicing what he preaches", Matt is responding to the very call about which he sings. Matt emanates a humility and a deep spirituality that is touching and affirming. As a parent, I am thrilled to have CDs such as Empty and Beautiful to share with my family - great songs with a great message that you'll love as much as your kids do.  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: Awesome cd, May 2, 2008 By  George Bretzlaff - See all my reviews    Matts new cd is awesome,superb. He,s right up there as far as talent with the likes of Bob Carlise, Ross Parsley,Chris Tomiln & many others. Id go out as quick as I could & buy this Cd. you,ll be glad you did.  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: Inspiring!, May 2, 2008 By  Kelly Mcloughlin (California) - See all my reviews    This is Matt's best music. He just gets better and deeper with each song. If you get the chance to see him in concert, don't miss it!  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)