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Matt Papa
“You Are Good”
Spin 360 Records
13 tracks @ 47:50
Upon first listen, I really liked this debut. It’s also the first release for Spin 360 Records. The label is an offshoot of the Spin 360 ministry, which equips worship leaders and student ministries with accessible versions of modern worship songs, along with teaching tools to enhance worship in local churches.
Papa has a degree in guitar performance from Truitt McConnell College. While only 22-years old, I would agree when his PR material states that Papa “possesses a maturity in both his artistry and spirituality well beyond his years.”
Papa says, “I haven’t put a name on what I do, but I can tell you that I’m a follower of Jesus first, a minister second and an artist third. Music and everything of this earth fades away, but as Jesus says, the word of God stands forever.”
The single “You Are Good” is an excellent, uplifting song inspired by 2 Chronicles 5 and 6. I also liked the other originals, such as “Lead Me On,” which comes from 1 Thessalonians 5 and includes a snippet of the Lord’s Prayer; the anthem “Unto This One;” and the invitation to worship “95,” which comes from the psalm.
I’ve heard plenty of releases this year that have a sameness to every song. However, Papa demonstrates a wide range of musical ability. “Dancing Generation” has a great groove while “Your Love” would fit perfectly on Steven Curtis Chapman’s “Speechless” record. Papa also takes the hymns “In Christ Alone” and “I Surrender All” and gives them a familiar, yet modern sound.
I would love to see this artist perform live. Highly recommended. I hope Matt Papa gets some consideration for “New Artist of the Year.”
- Rob S.