Empty and Beautiful (CD - 2008)

On his 2008 Essential Records debut, EMPTY & BEAUTIFUL, Arizona-based Christian singer-songwriter Matt Maher offers up a catchy set of worship-oriented tunes. Standout moments include the techno-tinged "Your Grace Is Enough," the rocked-out "Shine Like the Sun," and the delicate title track, songs that place Maher in the esteemed company of CCM artists such as Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, and Jeremy Camp.

The made-for-congregation style of Matt Maher's Essential debut may sound very familiar. That lead track "Your Grace is Enough" first appeared on Chris Tomlin's landmark Arriving album four years earlier partially explains why. The exposure for the budding songwriter was a lift at the time, but now it poses a challenge to stepping forward on his own merit. Simply put, fans know the song in Tomlin's voice, not Maher's. And therein lies the paradox of Maher's identity: his music is on par with Tomlin, and even Matt Redman, but it sounds so much like them that listeners may not discover the true depth of his talents. ~ Jared Johnson minimize