Matt McPherson and his wife, Sherry, come out from behind the scenes to offer up “Slow Down,” a collection of quiet faith-centered songs with a slight country flair. It’s a new move for the man who usually makes the guitars that other artists praise, but he and his wife feel the world is in desperate need of the saving power of Christ, so they offer “Slow Down” in the hope of providing answers and direction for the seeking heart. The thirteen tracks are centered around life in Christ for the most part, specifically on intimacy with God, celebrating His goodness and sharing the life we’ve been given.
Originally scheduled to release in September, it is now scheduled to drop in January. But the album is already garnering attention; “The Salvation Poem” made such an impression on Franklin Graham he now hands out pens inscribed with its lyrics as an outreach tool, and other artists have sought permission to record the song themselves. It is “The Salvation Poem” that closes out “Slow Down,” and its quiet piano-driven tones and vertical lyrics are indeed inspiring. Other standout tracks include the title track, opening the album nicely with its thick rich guitar chords, and “Holdin’ On,” a Sherry-fronted bouncy pop-rocker, nicely nuanced. Matt and Sherry trade off lead vocals throughout the project, hers sweet and generally upbeat, his steady and warm. It is Matt who sings lead on the worshipful “I Felt Him Breathe,” lyrically one of the album’s best tracks. “Here I Am” is another worship track, this one more along the melodic pop-worship line.
I would have to classify “Slow Down” as an easy-listening album, which many will enjoy for its restive powers and quality sound.
