Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Indie Review

JFH Indie Inspection Review

Too Big To Fail

Matthew McMahon
Too Big To Fail EP

Street Date: August 24, 2010
Style: Southern Rock
Buy It: Amazon.com


A singer/songwriter from Washington, D.C., Matthew McMahon takes his love for Jesus and his interest in politics and incorporates them into the songs on his latest EP, Too Big To Fail. Strangely, for the part of the country he's from, the EP is a southern rock-flavored offering with a little bit of pop rock and a hint of gospel. It's not so strange, though, if you know that he spent a good half decade in Nashville where he worked on his music skills. The first track, "Too Big To Fail," is a southern rock song through and through, with upbeat drums, organs and lively piano. His voice fits in with the sound pretty well, while simultaneously sounding slightly out of place. The song takes a stab at satire, mocking the government's poor decisions as of late (particularly all the bail out proceedings). It's not the most cleverly-written satire, but it's a noble attempt. The title track is definitely outshined by the following song, "Purified." It's a song longing for God's purification and freedom, having potential to work its way into the Christian radio world and keeping up with some of the other artists there, provided that McMahon can clean up the sound just a little and keep working on his vocals. There are some high notes in "Purified" that he has a bit of trouble hitting. "The Mills of God" follows, contemplating the hardships in life, leading to "Sick of the World," where McMahon lets out his feelings about not just the hardships, but also the sinners that we all are, set to a very slowly-played acoustic guitar. He points out the world's flaws ("We live in a culture that plays us for fools, where madmen go nuclear and kids shoot up schools"), but makes sure to not let himself off the hook ("my members won't do what they should"). My only problem with this song is that the slowness of it almost makes the chorus feel a bit too repetitive. Otherwise, it's a shining moment on Too Big To Fail. Finally, McMahon finishes with a song inspired by a Dave Ramsey quote in which Ramsey says (in reference to newlyweds): "The preacher said, 'And now you are one.' He did not pronounce you a joint venture." It's a love song for McMahon's wife called "Let's Get Ahead of Ourselves," asking her to be one with him and, in a sense, be done with waiting for the future.

McMahon has a pretty good sound, and a lot of potential to be a star on radio. He may a way to go in order to get there, mainly with production and vocal quality, but some more work and another album should put him up there with some of the bigger names in contemporary Christian music.

- Review date: 11/15/10, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 

 

go to main Indie review page
go to Indie Review Index

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Wednesday, October 29, 2025
ALBUMS
Brandon Lake Amazon Music Songline [Provident]

SINGLES
Tikae Maestro Dwell (ft. Kingdmusic) - Single [Tribe Rua]

This Friday, October 31, 2025
ALBUMS
1K Phew What's Understood 3 [Reach]
Hope Deferred Darkness Remains [The Charon Collective]
Vic Lucas The Journey [Syntax]
MORIAH Nice Life - EP [F2]
SEU Worship What A God [Live at JOGS] (feat. Abbie Gamboa) - EP [Provident]
Testimony of Apocalypse Agony in the Garden [Roxx Records]

SINGLES
Alphein Working - Single [Syntax]
Chris Caro It's Okay - Single [Syntax]
Drea LP & OnBeatMusic Still - Single [Syntax]
Dreamers My Heart His Home - Single [DREAM]
Dust and Grace He Made It All - Single [MTS]
Roxanne Grace Try Again - Single [DREAM]
Jericko Skeletons - Single [Syntax]
The Light Superior Ghost - Single [Rottweiler]
Lock & Chi Do To Me - Single (independent)
John Long Simple Pursuit - Single (independent)
My Place Was Taken Rude Awakening - Single [Rottweiler]
No Vain Glory ROYALTY (CHOSEN) - Single [Syntax]
Polished Arrow Music LOTW - Single [Polished Arrow Music]
Poor Old Lu The Hurting - Single (independent)
Razzie & Joz NEW PETRO (ft. 4KL) - Single [Syntax]
Saints in Exile Pain is My Best Friend (At My Best) [ft. THE EXILED] - Single [Syntax]
Jordy Sam Hard Days (ft. IAN) - Single [Syntax]
Silent Reflection The Air - Single [Syntax]
Still Remains The Wound and the Weapon - Single (independent)
Warren Zeiders How Great Thou Art - Single [Warner]

This Saturday, November 1, 2025
SINGLES
Relentless Pursuit He Is Coming - Single (independent)

Next Friday, November 7, 2025
ALBUMS
Biscuits Country Fried LoFi - EP [Circle Back]
Jekalyn Carr JEKALYN X LEGENDS [WayNorth]
DAMIAN DAMIAN [DREAM]
Josh Garrels Peace To All Who Enter Here, Vol. 2 (independent)
Amy Jay Mnemonics (independent)
(UN)WORTHY From the Belly of the Beast - EP (independent)

SINGLES
Damian If I Should Fail - Single [DREAM]
Hillside Recording Everlasting Father - Single (independent)
Ian Austin, Heather Suzanne Somewhere Far - Single (independent)
Life.Church Worship Tanto - Single (independent)
Sacrificial Betrayal Take Risk - Single (independent)
Zane Walls YOU ARE THE FIRE (feat. JontheKid) - Single (independent)


For all release dates, click here!
 

Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images