Jesusfreakhideout.com: Matthew Ryan, "Healer EP" Review

JFH Indie Review

Matthew Ryan
Healer EP

Artist Info: Discography
Street Date: June 1, 2019
Style: Worship

Music has played a huge role in the life of Matthew Ryan since the age of ten, when he first jumped into serving on his church’s worship team. The multi-instrumentalist soon found himself joining a choir in high school, which further opened his eyes to the musical gifts that God had given him. This newly-realized talent, combined with his heart to share the Gospel, eventually led Ryan to taking pen to paper, coming out with five songs that make up his debut EP, Healer.

The title of the EP isn’t a simple, passing reference to one of God’s characteristics. Part of Ryan’s story includes a testimony of God healing him of his then-lifelong bout with epilepsy, from which he suffered up until his junior year of high school. And he hasn’t forgotten God’s kindness, which is evident in these songs, most notably in the title track: “You are the strength inside of my weakness / You are the life inside my veins / You are the Lord above every sickness / my words could not explain … my Healer, my Savior / You have overcome / my comfort, my shelter / the victory is Yours.” These lyrics may not be the most poetic, but the passion behind them almost nullifies the need to be fancy about it; Ryan’s desire is to thank the Lord for what He’s done in his life, and he does just that.

“I Give It All” is one of my favorite tracks, from a lyrical perspective. Here, Ryan expresses his desire to give everything to Jesus, but it’s interesting because he also acknowledges that he can only give his all because Jesus first gave His all: “I give it all / Lord, I give You my heart / Jesus, I give You my life / for You alone, You buried my shame and carried it out ok the cross.” “Secret Place” is great, too, with an emphasis on trusting in God’s promises: “I see a fire lighting up the sky / I see a shelter, a refuge in the light / I see a future where I don’t have to run and hide / I see a promise of what You made me like.”

Musically, Ryan’s influences are very noticeable, as the long, drawn-out tracks and big, anthemic sounds point to artists like Bethel, Hillsong, and Elevation Worship. But there are plenty of things in each song that help them stand out from the crowd a little. The synth in “I Give It All;” the quiet strings and gorgeous, airy vocals in “You’re So Good To Me;” the fact that “Healer” sounds like a glorious sunrise on a flawless morning; there’s so much to appreciate here, and more of it becomes noticeable with each listen. My first time listening through these songs was only a scratch on the surface, and repeat listens got better and better.

Matthew Ryan’s debut EP is a great start for a young worship leader full of gratitude and humility. Listeners who don’t take much pleasure in corporate worship music (like any of the above mentioned artists) may or may not find something here to enjoy. However, Healer is more than what the first meets the ear, and is certainly worthy of your attention.

- Review date: 7/2/19, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com

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JFH Staff's Second Opinion

Matthew Ryan is a singer/songwriter with a worshipper's heart hailing from Houston, TX. Ryan, who takes influence from church worship groups like Elevation and Bethel, makes it his life goal to spread the gospel of Christ. His debut EP, Healer, has recently released and is inspired by the story of his own personal healing from epilepsy. The musical inspiration is certainly heard throughout the five tracks -- especially when it comes to Bethel. All the songs fall along the slower tempo side of things, but they aren't without some really nice dynamics. For instance, the drum builds toward the end of "We Will Sing Your Praises" are a really nice touch to give the song some extra interest. The single from Healer, "I Give It All," rings with a little more of the Elevation sound with the electronic elements and overall feel. While the opener is a solid number, and "You're So Good to Me" has a beautiful sound, the top song is arguably the title track. "Healer" is another song that relies on dynamics and the overdriven guitar that kicks in near the 2:40 minute mark, as well as the end of the bridge later in the song, helps to sell this dynamic. Ryan sings, "My Healer; my Savior, You have overcome. My Comfort; my Shelter, the victory is Yours," as he sings out in worship to his Healer and Savior. Knowing Ryan's story gives it an added dimension that lends even more power to the song. Matthew Ryan's Healer is an EP that fans of worship music can easily enjoy, but those who have experienced a miraculous healing may relate even more. It could also be the EP and encouragement that those in need of healing have been waiting for. No matter your circumstances, a reminder of God's faithfulness, love, and healing power are never a bad thing. - Review date: 7/2/19, written by Michael Weaver of Jesusfreakhideout.com

Record Label: None

Album length: 5 tracks: 28 minutes, 53 seconds

Street Date: June 1, 2019

Buy It: iTunes

Buy It: AmazonMP3

We Will Sing Your Praises (6:41)
I Give It All (6:31)
Healer (6:14)
You're So Good To Me (2:46)
Secret Place (6:41)

Jesus Freak Hideout (Scott Fryberger): Your bio says you joined a worship team at ten years old. How long had you been playing music before then?

Matthew Ryan: I had been playing guitar and piano for about six months before I approached my parents and asked them if I could join the worship team. They felt I was ready, and I was heavily involved with the worship team from that point on.

JFH (Scott): When did you begin writing your own music?

Matthew: I started writing my own music this past January; however, growing up I would write little instrumental songs and themes all the time.

JFH (Scott): What are some of your favorite artists and/or artists that inspire your sound?

Matthew: Growing up I listened to a lot of Relient K and Demon Hunter, so I had this crazy concoction of punk, pop, rock, and metalcore. I absolutely love Elevation and Bethel Worship. So recently I’ve been getting a lot of inspiration from people like Elevation and Amanda Cook.

JFH (Scott): You have a great testimony of God healing you of epilepsy. Can you share a little more about the experience of a supernatural healing?

Matthew: When I was 16 years old I was fed up with taking medicine every day since I was 5. I decided to listen to a lie the devil told me that my epilepsy medication wasn’t working. So I stopped taking it, and I didn’t tell anyone for six months. At the end of the six months, I had my annual tests that I needed to do, so I got a brain scan done, and the doctor told me that my epilepsy was gone. But not only from this immediate scan, but from the scan that happened prior to that one, the same month I decided to stop taking my medication. It’s my belief that Jesus died for our sins and our sickness. And God does things for us even when we don’t deserve it. Today I am six years free from any trace of epilepsy. It’s the craziest experience I’ve ever had in my life, and this is something that no atheist nor agnostic could ever try to take away from me. Because this type of healing does not happen in the medical world. When people get healed of epilepsy, it’s through careful, monitored weening off of medicine. But God healed me immediately after I quit my medication cold turkey.

JFH (Scott): Do you get opportunities to play your music and share your testimony for an audience?

Matthew: I’ve actually been getting great opportunities to sing and share my testimony. I just finished up a short two-week California tour, and I’ll be traveling to Mexico City and other areas around it to sing in July!

JFH (Scott): Which song from Healer would you recommend to someone curious about your music?

Matthew: If you haven’t heard my music, I highly recommend checking out "Healer." It’s my favorite song on the EP, especially because healing is something very near and dear to me.

JFH (Scott): Do you plan to continue making music?

Matthew: I’ve already begun the writing process for my next EP or potentially an album. Since the release of the Healer EP in June, I already have three more songs.

JFH (Scott): Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Matthew: I love and cherish everyone that supports my music, because every single penny that I make from CD sales and traveling goes immediately into my savings account for my Bible school tuition. In August I will begin taking courses at Christ for the Nations Institute to get a worship degree. I could not be more excited! I absolutely cannot wait to be in that amazing atmosphere of worship and fellowship with other believers with the same passion. So please buy a copy of Healer - it’s only $5 - and help me continue to grow in my ministry.