Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review


Ryan Stevenson, No Matter What
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Ryan Stevenson
No Matter What



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Pop
Album length: 9 tracks: 31 minutes, 32 seconds
Street Date: April 6, 2018


READER RATING:   


Ryan Stevenson is the very definition of a likeable guy. With his "everyman" persona and gift for melody, his music is a natural fit for Christian radio playlists. A writer of songs for TobyMac ("Speak Life") before hitting it big with "In The Eye Of The Storm" off his previous album, Fresh Start, Stevenson is a hardworking and uplifting presence in the CCM world.

With No Matter What, Stevenson continues his winning streak, although the album is too slight at eight songs (and one jokey interlude about his hometown that circles back to another one on his last album). With just a few more songs, No Matter What would have been an out-and-out competitor for most tuneful and heartfelt album of the year.

"Lift You Up" starts off the action with an uplifting statement of purpose that features a nifty, distorted funk-guitar line and Stevenson's smooth, rhythmic flow that has just enough hip-hop influences to bring to mind both the aforementioned TobyMac and fellow funky singer-songwriter Mat Kearney. With a silly line about shopping for t-shirts at Goodwill, Stevenson shows his humorous side (a' la mainstream rapper Macklamore), and manages to mix the silly and sacred well. "Child In Your Arms" features a great synthesizer line and instrumental flow that sounds both classic and current all at the same time. "No Matter What" slows things down considerably, and swings slowly to the beat of an old country waltz number. Somehow, this wild tempo change and feel somehow works in the context of the album. Bart Millard, of Mercyme fame, shows up in typical duet fashion and adds a nice presence to this soulful tune about the faithfulness of God. And speaking of duets, the legendary Amy Grant lends her voice to "Faithful," and lifts the tune up considerably with her presence.

Lead single "The Gospel" is an album highlight, and a wonderful reminder of what's at the heart of faith: To the captive, it looks like freedom / to the orphan, / it feels like home to the skeptic, it might sound crazy / to believe in a God who loves / in a world, where our hearts are breaking / and we're lost in the mess we've made / like a blinding light, in the dead of night / it's the Gospel / the Gospel that makes a way / it's the Gospel that makes a way.

It's a shame the album ends so quickly. (It's more of a glorified EP.) A few more songs and Stevenson would have had a really solid second outing. As it stands, No Matter What is a likable, if slightly underwhelming, effort from a truly gifted songwriter.

- Review date: 4/4/18, written by Alex Caldwell of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 

. Record Label: Gotee Records
. Album length: 9 tracks: 31 minutes, 32 seconds
. Street Date: April 6, 2018
. Buy It: Apple Music
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon.com (CD)
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. Lift You Up (3:11)
  2. Child in Your Arms (3:35)
  3. No Matter What (Feat. Bart Millard of Mercyme) (3:36)
  4. The Gospel (4:14)
  5. Faithful (Feat. Amy Grant) (3:50)
  6. Welcome to Bonanza (Interlude) (1:02)
  7. Single-Wide Dreamin' (4:10)
  8. Always Been You (4:16)
  9. With Lifted Hands (3:37)

 

 JFH Album Sample Player

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, November 19, 2024
SINGLES
Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)

This Wednesday, November 20, 2024
ALBUMS
1K Phew Let Go Let God: The EP [Reach]

SINGLES
Drew & Ellie Holcomb High Seas - Single [Magnolia]
Sleeping At Last Let It Snow - Single (independent)

This Thursday, November 21, 2024
ALBUMS
The Choir Translucent (independent)

SINGLES
Wilder Woods Curioso [Dualtone]

This Friday, November 22, 2024
ALBUMS
Coqui I'll Still Have Christmas Day - EP [DREAM]
for KING & COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE) [Curb]
The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down I Speak Jesus - Single [BEC]
99 APEX Find A Way Freestyle - Single [Syntax]
Cory Asbury You're Still The One - Single [BEC]
Ashes Remain Lost Light - Single [BEC]
Paul Baloche Angels We Have Heard On High/Glorious (feat. Sarah Kroger) - Single [Integrity]
Elan Brio Sun Rays - Single (independent)
Amy Jay And So It Goes - Single (independent)
Jericko Holy Ground - Single [Syntax]
Reece Lache' Energy - Single (independent)
Vic Lucas Presha - Single [Syntax]
Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
Vineyard Worship Royal Son - Single [Integrity]

VINYL
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]

Next Thursday, November 28, 2024
VINYL
Van Zant Always Look Up Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, November 29, 2024
ALBUMS
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) [Flatiron]
Thrive Worship Christmas, Vol. 2 - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
ICF Worship Light of the World - Single [Integrity]
Selah Glory Hallelujah (feat. Mike Weaver) - Single [Integrity]
Slow Salvation The Ghost of Christmas Past - Single [Velvet Blue]
Uche Agu, Revival Today Worship Medley of Hymns - Single [DREAM]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) Vinyl (Record Store Day Exclusive!) [Flatiron]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images