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{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2011}}
{{Infobox album <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Albums -->
{{Infobox album
| Name = Alive Again
| Type = studio
| name = Alive Again
| Artist = [[Matt Maher]]
| type = studio
| Cover =
| artist = [[Matt Maher]]
| Released = September 22, 2009
| cover = AliveAgain.jpg
| Recorded =
| alt =
| released = September 22, 2009
| Genre = [[Contemporary Christian music|CCM]], [[Contemporary worship music|worship]]
| Length =
| recorded =
| venue =
| Label = [[Essential Records (Christian)|Essential Records]]
| studio = [[Paul Moak|The Smoakstack]] (Nashville, Tennessee)
| Producer =
* FabMusic (Franklin, Tennessee)
| Reviews = *[[Allmusic]] (favorable)<ref name="AMG">{{cite web |first=Jared |last=Johnson |title=Review: ''Alive Again'' |url={{Allmusic|class=album|id=r1636457|pure_url=yes}} |publisher=[[Allmusic]] |accessdate=20 December 2009}}</ref>
| genre = [[Contemporary Christian music]], [[Contemporary worship music|worship]]
| Last album = ''[[Empty & Beautiful]]''<br />(2008)
| length = 55:30
| This album = '''''Alive Again'''''<br />(2009)
| label = [[Essential Records (Christian)|Essential]]
| Next album =
| producer = [[Paul Moak]]
* [[Christopher Stevens (musician)|Christopher Stevens]]
| prev_title = [[Empty & Beautiful]]
| prev_year = 2008
| next_title = [[The Love in Between]]
| next_year = 2011
}}
}}
'''''Alive Again''''' is the fifth studio album by [[contemporary Christian music|contemporary Christian]] musician [[Matt Maher]], released on September 22, 2009.<ref>http://jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2009/06/15.MATT%20MAHER%20RELEASES%20SOPHOMORE%20ALIVE%20AGAIN%20SEPT.%2022.asp</ref> It is his second album with [[Essential Records (Christian)|Essential Records]]. It reached #6 on the Billboard Christian albums chart, and reached #128 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].<ref>http://www.billboard.com/charts#/album/matt-maher/alive-again/1280957</ref> The single "Alive Again" became the top selling Christian and Gospel single on iTunes Rewind.
'''''Alive Again''''' is the second [[studio album]] by [[contemporary Christian music|contemporary Christian]] musician [[Matt Maher]], released on September 22, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2009/06/15.MATT%20MAHER%20RELEASES%20SOPHOMORE%20ALIVE%20AGAIN%20SEPT.%2022.asp |title=Music News, June 2009: ARTIST-WORSHIPPER MATT MAHER RELEASES SOPHOMORE ALIVE AGAIN SEPT. 22 |publisher=Jesusfreakhideout.com |date=June 15, 2009 |accessdate=December 22, 2011}}</ref> It is his second album with [[Essential Records (Christian)|Essential Records]]. It reached #6 on the ''Billboard'' Christian albums chart, and reached #128 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]].<ref>{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=matt maher|chart=all}} |title=Music Charts, Most Popular Music, Music by Genre & Top Music Charts |publisher=Billboard.com |date= |accessdate=December 22, 2011}}</ref> The single "Alive Again" became the top selling Christian and Gospel single on iTunes Rewind. The song "Hold Us Together" was the No. 1 K-LOVE song of 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.klove.com/music/songs/default.aspx |title=Top Christian Songs - Positive Encouraging K-LOVE |publisher=Klove.com |date= |accessdate=December 22, 2011}}</ref>


== Critical reception ==
== Track listing==
{{Album ratings
# "Alive Again"
|rev1 = [[Allmusic]]
# "Shout of the King"
|rev1score = Positive<ref name=ALLMUSIC>{{cite web|url=http://allmusic.com/album/alive-again-r1636457/review|title=Review: ''Alive Again''|last=Johnson|first=Jared|publisher=[[Allmusic]]|accessdate=2012-01-14}}</ref>
# "Sing Over Your Children"
|rev2 = Christian Music Review
# "Hold Us Together"
|rev2score = (4.1/5)<ref name=REVIEW>{{cite web|url=http://www.christianmusicreview.org/mattmaher_aliveagain.html|title=Review: ''Alive Again''|last=Chambers|first=Laura|date=2009-09-11|publisher=Christian Music Review|accessdate=2012-01-14}}</ref>
# "No Greater Love"
|rev3 = ''[[Christianity Today]]''
# "Love Comes Down"
|rev3score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name=TODAY>{{cite web|url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/music/reviews/2009/aliveagain-mini.html|title=Review: ''Alive Again''|last=Willits|first=Andre Bailey|date=2009-09-01|publisher=[[Christianity Today]]|accessdate=2012-01-14}}</ref>
# "Flesh and Bone"
|rev4 = [[Cross Rhythms]]
# "Remembrance"
|rev4score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name=CROSS>{{cite web|url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Matt_Maher/Alive_Again/83460/|title=Review: ''Alive Again''|last=Grimsditch|first=Carl|date=2009-12-22|publisher=[[Cross Rhythms]]|accessdate=2012-01-14}}</ref>
# "Letting Go"
|rev5 = Jesus Freak Hideout
# "You Were on the Cross"
|rev5score = {{rating|3|5}}<ref name=JESUS>{{cite web|url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/AliveAgain.asp|title=Review: ''Alive Again''|last=Gelwicks|first=Roger|date=2009-09-20|publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout|accessdate=2012-01-14}}</ref>
# "Christ is Risen"
|rev6 = Jesus Freak Hideout
# "Garden"
|rev6score = {{rating|3|5}}<ref name=FREAK>{{cite web|url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/AliveAgain.asp|title=Review: ''Alive Again''|last=Kelm|first=Sara|date=2011-09-20|publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout|accessdate=2012-01-14}}</ref>
|rev7 = Louder Than the Music
|rev7score = {{rating|4.5|5}}<ref name=LOUDER>{{cite web|url=http://louderthanthemusic.com/document.php?id=777|title=Review: ''Alive Again''|last=Davies|first=Jono|date=2009-10-26|publisher=Louder Than the Music|accessdate=2012-01-14}}</ref>
}}<!-- Automatically generated by DASHBot-->


'''[[Allmusic]]'s''' Jared Johnson said this album "Matt takes a big leap forward on this record and offers some of the better-written praise & worship tracks to come along in some time."<ref name=ALLMUSIC/>
== Singles ==
*"Alive Again" (2009) – #17 Billboard [[Hot Christian Songs]]
*"Hold Us Together" (2010) - #1 K-LOVE <ref>http://www.klove.com/music/songs/default.aspx</ref>
*"Christ Is Risen" (2010)


'''Christian Music Review's''' Laura Chambers alluded to the album as having "no actual weeds; it is the senses and condition of the listener that alone determine the resonance each song will have."<ref name=REVIEW/>
== References ==

'''''[[Christianity Today]]'''s''' Andrea Bailey Willits noted that "discriminating ears long for intelligent worship songs cut from slightly darker cloth, and Matt Maher heeds that cry with an unselfconscious sophomore effort."<ref name=TODAY/>

'''[[Cross Rhythms]]'s''' Carl Grimsditch told of this album that "overall this is well crafted worshipful music."<ref name=CROSS/>

'''Jesus Freak Hideout's''' Roger Gelwicks said he "can't honestly say that ''Alive Again'' is that unique of a worship experience."<ref name=JESUS/> However, he said "anyone looking for solid, unique worship would be wise to look there, but if you were a fan of Matt Maher's first outing, his follow-up will suit you just fine."<ref name=JESUS/>

'''Jesus Freak Hideout's''' Sara Kelm called this "a decent offering from this worship leader."<ref name=FREAK/> But she was highly critical, when she said "it could easily be transitioned from the album to a church worship setting, even stereotypically bringing down the volume for a chorus before ramping it up again. That's the major problem with this album, if one could call it that. This collection of songs is nothing special. Most of the songs, while having nice melodies, do not strike me as particularly different or challenging. The album has a common worship sound, with no real risks taken. Plus, the last half of the album seems weighed down with mellow songs, slowing the pace considerably."<ref name=FREAK/> Furthermore, she noted "if you want a worship album that is something different and new in terms of style and sound, look around at some of the other worship albums released this year. But if you liked Maher's first album and just really like the basic 'worship album' feel, this would be a good album for you."<ref name=FREAK/>

'''Louder Than the Music's''' Jono Davies said this album "is a very clean and powerful worship album and over time has grown on me as one of my favorite albums of the year."<ref name=LOUDER/> In addition, Davies noted that "overall a wonderful album, not scared to sing out the name of Jesus in the lyrics."<ref name=LOUDER/>

===Accolades===

In 2010, the album was nominated for a [[Dove Award]] for Praise & Worship Album of the Year at the [[41st GMA Dove Awards]]. The title song was also nominated for Worship Song of the Year.<ref>[http://blogs.tennessean.com/tunein/2010/02/18/41st-annual-gma-dove-awards-nominees-announced/ 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards nominees announced] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120707061925/http://blogs.tennessean.com/tunein/2010/02/18/41st-annual-gma-dove-awards-nominees-announced/ |date=July 7, 2012 }} on [[The Tennessean]] (February 18, 2010)</ref>

== Track Listing ==
{{Track listing
| headline = CD track order
| total_length = 55:30
| title1 = Alive Again
| note1 =
| writer1 = Maher, [[Jason Ingram]]
| length1 = 3:59
| title2 = Shout of the King
| note2 =
| writer2 = Maher, [[Sarah Reeves]]
| length2 = 4:06
| title3 = Sing Over Your Children
| note3 =
| writer3 = Maher, Ingram
| length3 = 4:17
| title4 = Hold Us Together
| note4 =
| writer4 = Maher, Steve Wilson
| length4 = 3:27
| title5 = No Greater Love
| note5 =
| writer5 = Maher, [[Audrey Assad]], [[Chris Tomlin]]
| length5 = 3:02
| title6 = Love Comes Down
| note6 =
| writer6 = Maher, Assad, [[Michael Gungor]], [[Paul Moak]]
| length6 = 4:43
| title7 = Flesh and Bone
| note7 =
| writer7 = Maher, [[Marc Byrd]], Sarah Hart
| length7 = 6:05
| title8 = Remembrance (Communion Song)
| note8 =
| writer8 = Maher, [[Matt Redman]]
| length8 = 5:18
| title9 = Letting Go
| note9 =
| writer9 = Maher, Moak
| length9 = 5:27
| title10 = You Were on the Cross
| note10 =
| writer10 = Maher, Assad, Kenny Butler
| length10 = 5:15
| title11 = Christ Is Risen
| note11 =
| writer11 = Maher, [[Mia Fieldes]]
| length11 = 4:56
| title12 = Garden
| note12 =
| writer12 = Maher, Assad
| length12 = 4:51

}}

== Personnel ==
* Matt Maher – vocals, acoustic piano, [[Fender Rhodes]], acoustic guitar, [[glockenspiel]], [[vibraphone]]
* [[Audrey Assad]] – acoustic piano, backing vocals
* Cason Cooley – acoustic piano, electric piano, [[Omnichord]]
* [[Christopher Stevens (musician)|Christopher Stevens]] – programming, backing vocals
* [[Audio Adrenaline|Tyler Burkum]] – guitars, electric guitar, backing vocals
* [[Paul Moak]] – electric guitar, acoustic guitar, [[baritone guitar]], [[pedal steel guitar]], bass, backing vocals
* Tony Lucido – bass, [[Moog synthesizer|Moog bass]]
* Jeremy Lutito – drums, percussion, programming
* Will Sayles – percussion
* Claire Indie – cello
* [[Chris Carmichael (musician)|Chris Carmichael]] – strings, string arrangements
* Blaine Barcus – backing vocals
* Addie Davis – backing vocals
* Nina Williams – backing vocals
* Jamie Lee Wilson – backing vocals

== Production ==
* Blaine Barcus – A&R
* Paul Moak – producer, engineer, recording
* Christopher Stevens – producer, mixing
* Jake Hartsfield – assistant engineer
* Scott Hundley – assistant engineer
* Justin March – assistant engineer
* Richard Dodd – mastering at RichardDodd.com
* Heather Hetzler – A&R coordinator
* Tim Parker – art direction, design
* Tec Petaja – photography
* Heather Cummings – hair stylist, make-up
* The Brown Book Agency – management

==Charts==

===Album===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Chart (2011)
! Peak<br>positions
|-
| US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]
| align="center"| 128<ref>{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=matt maher|chart=Billboard 200}}|title=Matt Maher Album & Song Chart History: ''Billboard'' 200|author=''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''|date=2012-01-13|publisher=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|accessdate=2012-01-14}}</ref>
|-
| US ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Christian Albums]]
| align="center"| 6<ref>{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=matt maher|chart=Christian Albums}}|title=Matt Maher Album & Song Chart History: Christian Albums|author=''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''|date=2012-01-13|publisher=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|accessdate=2012-01-14}}</ref>
|}

===Singles===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan=2| Year
! rowspan=2| Single
! colspan=6| Peak chart positions
|- style="font-size:smaller;"
! width=40| [[Christian Songs|US Christian]]<br>
|-
| 2009
| align="left"| "Alive Again"
| 12<ref name=CSONGS>{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=matt maher|chart=Christian Songs}}|title=Matt Maher Album & Song Chart History: Christian Songs|author=''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''|date=2012-01-13|publisher=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|accessdate=2012-01-14}}</ref>
|-
| 2010
| align="left"| "Hold Us Together"
| 6<ref name=CSONGS/>
|-
| 2011
| align="left"| "Christ Is Risen"
| 18<ref name=CSONGS/>
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Alive Again (Matt Maher Album)}}
{{Matt Maher}}
[[Category:2009 albums]]
[[Category:Contemporary Christian music albums]]
[[Category:Essential Records albums]]


{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Alive Again (Matt Maher Album)}}
{{christian-album-stub}}
[[Category:2009 albums]]
[[Category:Matt Maher albums]]
[[Category:Essential Records (Christian) albums]]

Latest revision as of 20:46, 25 December 2024

Alive Again
Studio album by
Matt Maher
ReleasedSeptember 22, 2009
StudioThe Smoakstack (Nashville, Tennessee)
  • FabMusic (Franklin, Tennessee)
GenreContemporary Christian music, worship
Length55:30
LabelEssential
ProducerPaul Moak
Matt Maher chronology
Empty & Beautiful
(2008) 		Alive Again
(2009) 		The Love in Between
(2011)

Alive Again is the second studio album by contemporary Christian musician Matt Maher, released on September 22, 2009.[1] It is his second album with Essential Records. It reached #6 on the Billboard Christian albums chart, and reached #128 on the Billboard 200.[2] The single "Alive Again" became the top selling Christian and Gospel single on iTunes Rewind. The song "Hold Us Together" was the No. 1 K-LOVE song of 2010.[3]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllmusicPositive[4]
Christian Music Review(4.1/5)[5]
Christianity Today[6]
Cross Rhythms[7]
Jesus Freak Hideout[8]
Jesus Freak Hideout[9]
Louder Than the Music[10]

Allmusic's Jared Johnson said this album "Matt takes a big leap forward on this record and offers some of the better-written praise & worship tracks to come along in some time."[4]

Christian Music Review's Laura Chambers alluded to the album as having "no actual weeds; it is the senses and condition of the listener that alone determine the resonance each song will have."[5]

Christianity Today's Andrea Bailey Willits noted that "discriminating ears long for intelligent worship songs cut from slightly darker cloth, and Matt Maher heeds that cry with an unselfconscious sophomore effort."[6]

Cross Rhythms's Carl Grimsditch told of this album that "overall this is well crafted worshipful music."[7]

Jesus Freak Hideout's Roger Gelwicks said he "can't honestly say that Alive Again is that unique of a worship experience."[8] However, he said "anyone looking for solid, unique worship would be wise to look there, but if you were a fan of Matt Maher's first outing, his follow-up will suit you just fine."[8]

Jesus Freak Hideout's Sara Kelm called this "a decent offering from this worship leader."[9] But she was highly critical, when she said "it could easily be transitioned from the album to a church worship setting, even stereotypically bringing down the volume for a chorus before ramping it up again. That's the major problem with this album, if one could call it that. This collection of songs is nothing special. Most of the songs, while having nice melodies, do not strike me as particularly different or challenging. The album has a common worship sound, with no real risks taken. Plus, the last half of the album seems weighed down with mellow songs, slowing the pace considerably."[9] Furthermore, she noted "if you want a worship album that is something different and new in terms of style and sound, look around at some of the other worship albums released this year. But if you liked Maher's first album and just really like the basic 'worship album' feel, this would be a good album for you."[9]

Louder Than the Music's Jono Davies said this album "is a very clean and powerful worship album and over time has grown on me as one of my favorite albums of the year."[10] In addition, Davies noted that "overall a wonderful album, not scared to sing out the name of Jesus in the lyrics."[10]

Accolades

[edit]

In 2010, the album was nominated for a Dove Award for Praise & Worship Album of the Year at the 41st GMA Dove Awards. The title song was also nominated for Worship Song of the Year.[11]

Track Listing

[edit]
CD track order
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Alive Again"Maher, Jason Ingram3:59
2."Shout of the King"Maher, Sarah Reeves4:06
3."Sing Over Your Children"Maher, Ingram4:17
4."Hold Us Together"Maher, Steve Wilson3:27
5."No Greater Love"Maher, Audrey Assad, Chris Tomlin3:02
6."Love Comes Down"Maher, Assad, Michael Gungor, Paul Moak4:43
7."Flesh and Bone"Maher, Marc Byrd, Sarah Hart6:05
8."Remembrance (Communion Song)"Maher, Matt Redman5:18
9."Letting Go"Maher, Moak5:27
10."You Were on the Cross"Maher, Assad, Kenny Butler5:15
11."Christ Is Risen"Maher, Mia Fieldes4:56
12."Garden"Maher, Assad4:51
Total length:55:30

Personnel

[edit]

Production

[edit]
  • Blaine Barcus – A&R
  • Paul Moak – producer, engineer, recording
  • Christopher Stevens – producer, mixing
  • Jake Hartsfield – assistant engineer
  • Scott Hundley – assistant engineer
  • Justin March – assistant engineer
  • Richard Dodd – mastering at RichardDodd.com
  • Heather Hetzler – A&R coordinator
  • Tim Parker – art direction, design
  • Tec Petaja – photography
  • Heather Cummings – hair stylist, make-up
  • The Brown Book Agency – management

Charts

[edit]

Album

[edit]
Chart (2011) Peak
positions
US Billboard 200 128[12]
US Billboard Christian Albums 6[13]

Singles

[edit]
Year Single Peak chart positions
US Christian
2009 "Alive Again" 12[14]
2010 "Hold Us Together" 6[14]
2011 "Christ Is Risen" 18[14]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Music News, June 2009: ARTIST-WORSHIPPER MATT MAHER RELEASES SOPHOMORE ALIVE AGAIN SEPT. 22". Jesusfreakhideout.com. June 15, 2009. Retrieved December 22, 2011.
  2. ^ "Music Charts, Most Popular Music, Music by Genre & Top Music Charts". Billboard.com. Retrieved December 22, 2011.
  3. ^ "Top Christian Songs - Positive Encouraging K-LOVE". Klove.com. Retrieved December 22, 2011.
  4. ^ a b Johnson, Jared. "Review: Alive Again". Allmusic. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  5. ^ a b Chambers, Laura (September 11, 2009). "Review: Alive Again". Christian Music Review. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  6. ^ a b Willits, Andre Bailey (September 1, 2009). "Review: Alive Again". Christianity Today. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  7. ^ a b Grimsditch, Carl (December 22, 2009). "Review: Alive Again". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  8. ^ a b c Gelwicks, Roger (September 20, 2009). "Review: Alive Again". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  9. ^ a b c d Kelm, Sara (September 20, 2011). "Review: Alive Again". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  10. ^ a b c Davies, Jono (October 26, 2009). "Review: Alive Again". Louder Than the Music. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  11. ^ 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards nominees announced Archived July 7, 2012, at archive.today on The Tennessean (February 18, 2010)
  12. ^ Billboard (January 13, 2012). "Matt Maher Album & Song Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  13. ^ Billboard (January 13, 2012). "Matt Maher Album & Song Chart History: Christian Albums". Billboard. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
  14. ^ a b c Billboard (January 13, 2012). "Matt Maher Album & Song Chart History: Christian Songs". Billboard. Retrieved January 14, 2012.
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