What makes The Witness Tree by Wendy Matthews notable?

The Witness Tree achieved significant commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Australian albums chart and earning multiple ARIA Award nominations. Additionally, tracks like Love Will Keep Me Alive resonated with audiences, showcasing Matthews' ability to blend poignant lyrics with accessible melodies, which further solidified her standing in the pop genre. Released on November 14, 1994, The Witness Tree marked Wendy Matthews' third studio album, following her successful sophomore release, Émigré. At this point in her career, Matthews was solidifying her reputation in the Australian music scene, building upon the acclaim garnered from her previous works and establishing a distinct sound that blended pop and adult contemporary influences.

Who is The Witness Tree for?

The Witness Tree works well if you're into uplifting anthems for resilience, reflective moments of hope and soothing melodies for contemplation.

How many songs are on The Witness Tree?

The Witness Tree has 13 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Released 32 years ago this November

The Witness Tree

Wendy Matthews · 1994

53 min · 13 tracks · pop music

A rich tapestry of pop melodies interwoven with soulful vocals, reflecting themes of resilience and hope.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Love Will Keep Me Alive — This track exemplifies Matthews' emotive vocal delivery paired with an uplifting message, making it a standout anthem of resilience. Its combination of heartfelt lyrics and memorable melody showcases her songwriting strengths.
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Hymn of the Big Wheel — A contemplative piece that explores themes of life's cyclical nature, this track features intricate arrangements that highlight Matthews’ vocal versatility. Its reflective quality provides depth to the album's overall narrative.
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O Happy Day — This lively cover pays homage to traditional gospel music while infusing it with Matthews' unique pop sensibilities. Its vibrant energy serves as a celebratory moment within the album and showcases her stylistic range.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

uplifting anthems for resilience
reflective moments of hope
soothing melodies for contemplation
warmth for cozy gatherings
joyful sing-alongs with friends

Maybe skip if you

seekers of high-energy tracks
prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on November 14, 1994, The Witness Tree marked Wendy Matthews' third studio album, following her successful sophomore release, Émigré. At this point in her career, Matthews was solidifying her reputation in the Australian music scene, building upon the acclaim garnered from her previous works and establishing a distinct sound that blended pop and adult contemporary influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Sarah McLachlan· Tori Amos· Sheryl Crow

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Quiet Joys of Brotherhood 3:18
2 God Watch Over You 4:31
3 Love Will Keep Me Alive 4:14
4 Standing Strong 4:54
5 Hymn of the Big Wheel 5:22
6 If I Can Dream 3:47
7 O Happy Day 4:48
8 Standback 3:05
9 It Ain't Wrong 3:56
10 Happy 3:26
11 Ride 4:41
12 Say a Prayer 3:20
13 Ruins (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desire) 4:20

What to play next

Listen next

Ghosts

1997

Go back to

Lily

1992

Full Wendy Matthews discography Artists like Wendy Matthews

pop music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata