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For the last quarter of 2001, Matt Redman took a sabbatical. Since his mid-teens he'd been leading worship, recording albums, leading worship, writing songs, doing conferences, leading worship, mentoring others, recording albums, leading worship, writing books, leading worship and it was time to take some time out and take stock. There were no plans to record an album because if he'd known that was going to happen he would have spent his sabbatical wondering about that and trying to write songs. Instead the Redman family moved to California, chilled out, fellowshipped, and prayed about their future.

There have been a number of consequences to that time of thinking and praying. Firstly, Matt felt it was time to leave Soul Survivor and when he returned to the UK, that's what he has done. There's no animosity, just a recognition it was time to move. Physically Matt has moved his home to Brighton, on the south coast of England and joined the Church of Christ the King, the home base of New Frontiers International and home to Terry Virgo, best known for the Stoneleigh event. In fact, the church is also home to the Stoneleigh band, worship leaders Dave Fellingham, Stuart Townend, Paul Oakley, Kate Simmonds, and Phatfish. One thing's for sure, Matt Redman will not be needed to lead worship every week!

In that context, the recording and release of 'Where Angels Fear To Tread' makes for interesting listening. This is the first album that he's recorded outside of the UK, teaming up with the Rythmic production team of Jason Halbert and Dwayne Larring who produced the last Tim Hughes album. It was a natural progression, Redman was in California and Halbert is based in L.A. so at the end of the sabbatical Matt made the decision to record. 

Recruiting backing musicians and making the decision to record as organically as possible means that there are less loops and whistles and bells compared to Rythmic's usual production approach. All Around The World this isn't. But neither is it anything so different from his last couple of albums. It's recognizably Redman and all the things that you love about his worship music are there but with extra vibe. 

There is a big thing made of the fact that worship leaders should be writing material for the church to sing. I know that Redman is concerned to make this happen but I find with all of his albums that only a few songs really translate well into a congregational setting. No matter how hard he seems to try! That doesn't diminish what he's achieved here. 

For starters Redders, as the Delirious? boys have christened him is singing better than ever. He sounds more relaxed, his voice sounds stronger, somehow there's a warmer quality right across the songs on this album. Secondly, there seems to be a little bit of a theme emerging across the songs gathered here. Returning to the juxtaposition of The Friendship and the Fear, there's the intimacy that can be gained in an approach to worship where God beckons us to come closer and enjoy the mystery of friendship with God whilst at the same time recognizing that we worship an awesome God. By the way that's awesome in its original meaning not in the watered down way in which Americans seem to describe everything as awesome whether that's the favor of their gum or the latest single from their favorite band. 

The two key songs here are "Rejoice With Trembling" which explores the overwhelming way in which a holy God draws us close to him. The expression of this reverent worship song is continued on the album's closing song, the title cut "Where Angels Fear To Tread". Once again the enormity of entering into God's presence is matched up with the heart of God that longs for us to draw closer. It's a theological oxymoron that a holy God would cleanse us and make a way for us to be able to step into a holy place and encounter the beauty of God's holiness.

One criticism that can be levelled at the album is that there isn't a great deal that's original. The opening drum roll that takes us into "Amazing" and that song's jangling guitars and catchy chorus are this year's "Let Everything That Has Breath" and "Take the World But Give Me Jesus." It's a great song and musically it's classic Redman but it's nothing new. 

Having said that, there are some songs on here that I absolutely love. The insistent "Blessed Be Your Name," inspired by Job, is a slow burner. It builds slowly on an acoustic guitar driven rhythm and before you know it, you're listening to an anthem. "When My Heart Runs Dry" is a song of renewal and an honest song written at a time when Matt felt that he'd become stuck in a spiritual rut. This is a song to listen to when you can't get anything out of the bible in your devotions and you're aware that there's a little distance between you and God. Time to refresh yourself and play this one.

There's a beautiful melodic piece of vibey guitar from Dwayne Larring which opens up "Befriended." The song itself captures an astonishment that God should want to invade our lives and the Gospel impact our souls, it's a gentle loving response to God. It's a song of dedication and it's beautiful. 

There are a couple of songs that Matt has already recorded on live albums and he has joked that at least these new versions will have him singing in tune! "Making Melody" is an energetic version of the Chris Tomlin song which features a special coda with people from different nations worshipping God in their own language. "Lord Let Your Glory Fall" benefits from the live band feel and the unusual drum pattern for the verses.  Definitely a song that works for a congregation! 

The album begins with "Amazing" celebrating the grace of God and closes with the mercy expressed in the title cut. From grace to mercy in eleven songs, that's quite a feat! 

Mike Rimmer 7/28/2002