“You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with,” Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Michael W. Smith told his audience Sunday night at the Alerus Center.
Indeed, Smith made good on that observation, bringing his “It’s A Wonderful Christmas” tour to Grand Forks and surrounding himself with great back-up vocalists, including featured singers Melinda Doolittle and George Huff, both from TV’s “American Idol.”
Also featured were Smith’s producer and collaborator David Hamilton, Smith’s fine traveling band AND the always impressive Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra.
The crowd seemed almost more enthused with Doolittle’s performance, including her gospel and jazz songs, and Huff’s “O Holy Night” than by Smith himself. Doolittle’s voice seemed to have more depth and maturity than Smith’s.
Not that Smith wasn’t talented and inspiring in the songs he wrote, played and sang or the music he selected for the concert. As a Christian artist, he mixed the traditional Christian hymns and carols of Christmas with contemporary and secular tunes,
Smith’s show Sunday night included “Song For the King,” the song he called the “most passionate” from his 2007 “It’s a Wonderful Christmas” album, and a lush and gorgeous instrumental of “What Child is This.”
Smith also acknowledged the troubling times so many people are facing right now, by sharing his testimony — “Christ will never leave you or forget you,” he said — and then sang “Help is On The Way.”
Before the show, Smith said in a news release that he wanted everyone to leave his concert filled with the Christmas spirit. So it wasn’t surprising that the concert included a spirit-filled audience sing-a-long on some favorite traditional carols. I can’t speak for everyone at the Alerus Sunday night, but I’d say there was more than enough Christmas spirit to go around.
Just a couple more things:
n Too many singers, including Christian artists such as Smith, fall into that trap of singing “Christmas music” that doesn’t really have anything to do with Christmas. I’m talking about those songs where it sounds like someone fed a bunch of “Christmas-y” phrases into a computer, like “Christmas time is here,” “… something, something angels,” “ … something, something joy to the world,” and then pushed the “Output Christmas Song” button.
I have nothing against secular holiday music. Indeed, my personal Christmas music collection includes everything from “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby to “Blue Christmas” by Elvis. I just don’t like the music that can’t really decide what it is, and just ends up being insipid and boring.
n At a concert by a Christian artist, we expect to hear the word of God and testimony about God’s love and forgiveness. But I think we can do without the pitches for money, no matter how worth the cause that’s being promoted.
How many people were at the concert? The Alerus Center said it couldn’t disclose that information because it didn’t have permission from Smith’s agent to release it.
Christian Music News Source
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Michael W. Smith will be Featured on the 700 Club
Michael W. Smith will be Featured on the 700 Club, Monday, November 24: Multi-platinum and GRAMMY-winning artist Michael W. Smith, who recently released his 21st album A New Hallelujah (10/28), will be featured on the Christian Broadcast Network�s �700 Club�. The show will air Monday, November 24. The 700 Club is hosted by Pat Robertson and is a live television program that airs weekdays before a studio audience in Virginia Beach, VA. Please visit the following link for local 700 Club air times: http://www.cbn.com/700club/ShowInfo/Schedule/program_air_times.pdf.
Christian Music News Source
Christian Music News Source
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
MICHAEL W. SMITH RELEASES A NEW HALLELUJAH OCT. 28
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) October 27, 2008 – Recently honored by friends including Amy Grant, Jordin Sparks, Ricky Skaggs, Melinda Doolittle, Phil Stacey, Wynonna, Franklin Graham, Max Lucado and others at a tribute event at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Oct. 12, Michael W. Smith is busy readying for the release of his 21st career album, A New Hallelujah, on Tuesday, Oct. 28.
The album, recorded live in Houston on June 20 before 12,000 people, has already received acclaim from media and fans alike, and the album’s first single, “A New Hallelujah” is currently in Top 15 at AC on the CRW chart and No. 17 on R & R’s Christian AC Monitored chart and just surpassed the 60 million cumulative impressions mark in only 11 weeks.
In addition, Smith’s co-bill tour with Steven Curtis Chapman “The United Tour” has sold out in more than 75 percent of the markets it’s visited since its launch on Oct. 9 in Columbus, Ohio.
Bob Thornton, Promotions Director at the award winning KXOJ in Tulsa, Ok. shares, “Hallelujah! I watched a sold out crowd sing along every word of A New Hallelujah and enjoy every moment of the United Tour. This was not the end of the book for these two great artists but the beginning of a great new chapter.”
In addition to the impact on the road and airwaves, Michael has seen incredible feedback on his short-form music video to “A New Hallelujah” which originally debuted on the Yahoo Music Channel’s Home-Page and Gospel Music Channel. The video, directed by Steve Gilreath, is currently viewable at www.reunionrecords.com.
Smith will be interviewed on Monday, Oct. 27 by radio outlets including Rick and Bubba’s morning show, Moody Broadcasting’s “The Morning Show with Mark Elfstrand,” and “Prime Time America,” USA Radio Network’s “Daybreak USA,” American Family Radio, AP Radio, Family Life and Focus on the Family. On Oct. 28, his official street day, he will perform “A New Hallelujah” live on the KLOVE Network as well as stations in New York, Tampa, Orlando, Minneapolis and Los Angeles. In addition, he will be the featured guest on Moody’s “Midday Connection.”
A New Hallelujah, Michael W. Smith’s newest record, and third worship album, was recorded live this June before 12,000 people in Houston, Texas. The record features The African Children’s Choir, a 250-voice choir, and a special guest appearance by 2008 GRAMMY Award-Winner, Israel Houghton.
Smith’s first worship album, simply titled Worship, released on September 11, 2001, and has sold more than a million-and-a half copies. It’s follow up Worship Again released September 19, 2002, and is nearing the 800,000 mark.
About Michael W. Smith
Michael W. Smith has amassed an impressive catalog of achievements. His 20 prior albums have garnered multiple honors including an American Music Award, 3 GRAMMY® Awards (from 13 nominations) and 42 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, and 33 No. 1 radio hits. In addition, he holds 16 Gold and 5 Platinum albums and career sales approaching 15 million.
Over his 25-year career, Smith has used his platform as a leader and acclaimed entertainer to serve, teach, and lead offstage. Constantly giving back to the community, one of his current projects is Rocketown -- a nightclub for teens in his hometown of Nashville, Tenn. -- which serves as a safe place for young people to enjoy music and for artists to be discovered. He is married to Debbie Smith and they are the proud parents of five children. For up-to-date information on Michael W. Smith, please visit www.michaelwsmith.com or www.reunionrecords.com.
Christian Music News Source
The album, recorded live in Houston on June 20 before 12,000 people, has already received acclaim from media and fans alike, and the album’s first single, “A New Hallelujah” is currently in Top 15 at AC on the CRW chart and No. 17 on R & R’s Christian AC Monitored chart and just surpassed the 60 million cumulative impressions mark in only 11 weeks.
In addition, Smith’s co-bill tour with Steven Curtis Chapman “The United Tour” has sold out in more than 75 percent of the markets it’s visited since its launch on Oct. 9 in Columbus, Ohio.
Bob Thornton, Promotions Director at the award winning KXOJ in Tulsa, Ok. shares, “Hallelujah! I watched a sold out crowd sing along every word of A New Hallelujah and enjoy every moment of the United Tour. This was not the end of the book for these two great artists but the beginning of a great new chapter.”
In addition to the impact on the road and airwaves, Michael has seen incredible feedback on his short-form music video to “A New Hallelujah” which originally debuted on the Yahoo Music Channel’s Home-Page and Gospel Music Channel. The video, directed by Steve Gilreath, is currently viewable at www.reunionrecords.com.
Smith will be interviewed on Monday, Oct. 27 by radio outlets including Rick and Bubba’s morning show, Moody Broadcasting’s “The Morning Show with Mark Elfstrand,” and “Prime Time America,” USA Radio Network’s “Daybreak USA,” American Family Radio, AP Radio, Family Life and Focus on the Family. On Oct. 28, his official street day, he will perform “A New Hallelujah” live on the KLOVE Network as well as stations in New York, Tampa, Orlando, Minneapolis and Los Angeles. In addition, he will be the featured guest on Moody’s “Midday Connection.”
A New Hallelujah, Michael W. Smith’s newest record, and third worship album, was recorded live this June before 12,000 people in Houston, Texas. The record features The African Children’s Choir, a 250-voice choir, and a special guest appearance by 2008 GRAMMY Award-Winner, Israel Houghton.
Smith’s first worship album, simply titled Worship, released on September 11, 2001, and has sold more than a million-and-a half copies. It’s follow up Worship Again released September 19, 2002, and is nearing the 800,000 mark.
About Michael W. Smith
Michael W. Smith has amassed an impressive catalog of achievements. His 20 prior albums have garnered multiple honors including an American Music Award, 3 GRAMMY® Awards (from 13 nominations) and 42 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, and 33 No. 1 radio hits. In addition, he holds 16 Gold and 5 Platinum albums and career sales approaching 15 million.
Over his 25-year career, Smith has used his platform as a leader and acclaimed entertainer to serve, teach, and lead offstage. Constantly giving back to the community, one of his current projects is Rocketown -- a nightclub for teens in his hometown of Nashville, Tenn. -- which serves as a safe place for young people to enjoy music and for artists to be discovered. He is married to Debbie Smith and they are the proud parents of five children. For up-to-date information on Michael W. Smith, please visit www.michaelwsmith.com or www.reunionrecords.com.
Christian Music News Source
Monday, November 3, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Michael W. Smith greets his fans
Contemporary Christian recording stars Michael W. Smith and Stephen Curtis Chapman shared the stage at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium Saturday night, and their autographs now share space on Thurston Faulkner's guitar.
Faulkner, a Moore resident, was one of about 300 fans to walk through a rope line at Christian Supply on Saturday afternoon for a meet-and-greet with Smith. The guitar, which had already been signed by Chapman, is memorabilia for Samuel, a 2-year-old from Kazakhstan that Faulkner and his wife, Amber, adopted with help of a grant from Chapman.
Smith and Chapman came to Spartanburg as part of their United tour, on which they are touring together for the first time. Both veterans have new releases on the way.
Smith took the opportunity to play a video excerpt of a song from his newest and 21st album, "A New Hallelujah," and to answer questions from the audience, pose for pictures, chat and sign autographs.
"He was nice and very down to earth," Thurston Faulkner said. "For him to come and be personal with anyone who wanted to show up, it shows that he keeps in touch with real life."
Smith decided to make the rare store appearance after learning from recording executive Randy Davis that Christian Supply suffered an estimated $750,000 loss.
A former employee is accused of embezzling the money between Jan. 1, 2007, and Aug. 19. The loss nearly forced the store that's been in Spartanburg for more than five decades to close.
"I was blown away when he said he would come here," said owner Chuck Wallington, adding that Smith has an "incredible heart."
Conserving energy
Most singers try to talk as little as possible and save energy for the stage to be at their best when the bright lights shine. But Smith said he enjoyed the opportunity to meet fans.
"I've heard Celine Dion doesn't talk at all the day before a show, but I'm not that much of a diehard," Smith said after the event.
Smith said making the appearance "seemed to be the right thing to do." Although his album won't be released for about nine more days, the store
was able to pre-sell copies, and Davis rush-ordered a print of album jackets so Smith could sign them.
Davis said the event was a good way to help a business he's enjoyed working with, adding "(Wallington) is known throughout the industry as a top retailer and a top man."
Linda Temples and her daughter, Jordana Touchton, drove from Anderson to meet Smith and planned to attend the concert.
Temples said Touchton has taken her to concerts for 23 years.
"If it's within eight hours (by car), we're there," Touchton said.
Smith, 51, told the crowd the W. stands for Whitaker, an old family name, and his favorite song he's written is "All Is Well." He told a child that he wrote his first song when he was 5, and joked with the crowd that his music has since improved.
Smith said he keeps himself grounded by remembering, "We all have the capability of falling off a cliff," and poked fun at his celebrity status.
"Some people say, 'Oh you're Michael W. Smith. My mom and grandma are big fans of yours,' " Smith told the mixture of young and old fans.
Christian Music News Source
Faulkner, a Moore resident, was one of about 300 fans to walk through a rope line at Christian Supply on Saturday afternoon for a meet-and-greet with Smith. The guitar, which had already been signed by Chapman, is memorabilia for Samuel, a 2-year-old from Kazakhstan that Faulkner and his wife, Amber, adopted with help of a grant from Chapman.
Smith and Chapman came to Spartanburg as part of their United tour, on which they are touring together for the first time. Both veterans have new releases on the way.
Smith took the opportunity to play a video excerpt of a song from his newest and 21st album, "A New Hallelujah," and to answer questions from the audience, pose for pictures, chat and sign autographs.
"He was nice and very down to earth," Thurston Faulkner said. "For him to come and be personal with anyone who wanted to show up, it shows that he keeps in touch with real life."
Smith decided to make the rare store appearance after learning from recording executive Randy Davis that Christian Supply suffered an estimated $750,000 loss.
A former employee is accused of embezzling the money between Jan. 1, 2007, and Aug. 19. The loss nearly forced the store that's been in Spartanburg for more than five decades to close.
"I was blown away when he said he would come here," said owner Chuck Wallington, adding that Smith has an "incredible heart."
Conserving energy
Most singers try to talk as little as possible and save energy for the stage to be at their best when the bright lights shine. But Smith said he enjoyed the opportunity to meet fans.
"I've heard Celine Dion doesn't talk at all the day before a show, but I'm not that much of a diehard," Smith said after the event.
Smith said making the appearance "seemed to be the right thing to do." Although his album won't be released for about nine more days, the store
was able to pre-sell copies, and Davis rush-ordered a print of album jackets so Smith could sign them.
Davis said the event was a good way to help a business he's enjoyed working with, adding "(Wallington) is known throughout the industry as a top retailer and a top man."
Linda Temples and her daughter, Jordana Touchton, drove from Anderson to meet Smith and planned to attend the concert.
Temples said Touchton has taken her to concerts for 23 years.
"If it's within eight hours (by car), we're there," Touchton said.
Smith, 51, told the crowd the W. stands for Whitaker, an old family name, and his favorite song he's written is "All Is Well." He told a child that he wrote his first song when he was 5, and joked with the crowd that his music has since improved.
Smith said he keeps himself grounded by remembering, "We all have the capability of falling off a cliff," and poked fun at his celebrity status.
"Some people say, 'Oh you're Michael W. Smith. My mom and grandma are big fans of yours,' " Smith told the mixture of young and old fans.
Christian Music News Source
Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith? 'Amen,' says audience in Birmingham
Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith were preaching to the choir Sunday night during a 7 p.m. show at the BJCC Concert Hall.
Contemporary Christian performances like this one are based on shared religious beliefs among the musicians and audience members. Devout prayer and earnest speechifying are much more than expected; they're a crucial part of the listening experience. Also, entertainers typically make fund-raising appeals for their favorite charities.
Evaluating such events can be tricky, when the basic idea is to let go of critical faculties and lose yourself in transcendent uplift -- to allow the heart, not the brain, to take over. If that doesn't happen, has the concert fallen short of its mission?
Moreover, Chapman and Smith are longtime superstars in the contemporary Christian genre, with substantial music catalogs, many radio hits and shelves filled with Dove Awards. Despite millions in sales, they regard their careers as ministries that are geared to helping the world.
Both men have pressed rock, folk and pop into the service of a higher power, spreading the Gospel with obvious success for a couple of decades.
On Sunday, even if secular ears failed to find excellence in some of the songs (if melodies seemed no more than pleasant or if lyrics lacked subtlety), Chapman and Smith certainly hit the mark with the majority.
The crowd at the BJCC offered a reverent and enthusiastic response to their joint playlist, which lasted about three hours and included "God is God," "Live Out Loud," "Miracle of the Moment," "Dive," "For the Sake of the Call," "There She Stands," "Friends," "Place in This World," "Above All" and "A New Hallelujah."
Touring together for the first time, the frontmen organized the show into two separate sets -- Chapman featured first, Smith highlighted second -- but made sure to include dual performances throughout.
The backing band, which ranged from five to seven members, featured Chapman's son, Caleb, 19, on guitar and Smith's son, Tyler, 20, on keyboards. Chapman's other son, Will Franklin, 17, took over the drum kit for a number or two, sitting in for band member Michael Olson.
Seeing Chapman's family here (including his wife, Mary Beth, and his eldest daughter, Emily, in the audience) was particularly poignant. As Chapman said from the stage, this tour comes during a time of mourning and healing for the seven-member clan.
The youngest Chapman, Maria Sue, 5, was killed in May when she was run over in the driveway of their home outside Nashville. Will Franklin was at the wheel of the SUV when it happened.
Only the most hard-hearted soul could fail to be moved when Chapman talked about the accident and its aftermath. Instead of ignoring the tragedy, he brought it up immediately, explaining that he was simultaneously broken and hopeful.
Many of his songs had acquired new meaning for him, Chapman said, and despite doubts and questions, he and his family were holding fast to their faith. In that spirit, he performed the song "Cinderella," written before Maria Sue's death and partly inspired by her.
More than anything else, such moments conveyed the basic message of religion as a source of strength and succor. For several reasons, contemporary Christian fans in Birmingham are bound to remember this concert for a long time.
Christian Music News Source
Contemporary Christian performances like this one are based on shared religious beliefs among the musicians and audience members. Devout prayer and earnest speechifying are much more than expected; they're a crucial part of the listening experience. Also, entertainers typically make fund-raising appeals for their favorite charities.
Evaluating such events can be tricky, when the basic idea is to let go of critical faculties and lose yourself in transcendent uplift -- to allow the heart, not the brain, to take over. If that doesn't happen, has the concert fallen short of its mission?
Moreover, Chapman and Smith are longtime superstars in the contemporary Christian genre, with substantial music catalogs, many radio hits and shelves filled with Dove Awards. Despite millions in sales, they regard their careers as ministries that are geared to helping the world.
Both men have pressed rock, folk and pop into the service of a higher power, spreading the Gospel with obvious success for a couple of decades.
On Sunday, even if secular ears failed to find excellence in some of the songs (if melodies seemed no more than pleasant or if lyrics lacked subtlety), Chapman and Smith certainly hit the mark with the majority.
The crowd at the BJCC offered a reverent and enthusiastic response to their joint playlist, which lasted about three hours and included "God is God," "Live Out Loud," "Miracle of the Moment," "Dive," "For the Sake of the Call," "There She Stands," "Friends," "Place in This World," "Above All" and "A New Hallelujah."
Touring together for the first time, the frontmen organized the show into two separate sets -- Chapman featured first, Smith highlighted second -- but made sure to include dual performances throughout.
The backing band, which ranged from five to seven members, featured Chapman's son, Caleb, 19, on guitar and Smith's son, Tyler, 20, on keyboards. Chapman's other son, Will Franklin, 17, took over the drum kit for a number or two, sitting in for band member Michael Olson.
Seeing Chapman's family here (including his wife, Mary Beth, and his eldest daughter, Emily, in the audience) was particularly poignant. As Chapman said from the stage, this tour comes during a time of mourning and healing for the seven-member clan.
The youngest Chapman, Maria Sue, 5, was killed in May when she was run over in the driveway of their home outside Nashville. Will Franklin was at the wheel of the SUV when it happened.
Only the most hard-hearted soul could fail to be moved when Chapman talked about the accident and its aftermath. Instead of ignoring the tragedy, he brought it up immediately, explaining that he was simultaneously broken and hopeful.
Many of his songs had acquired new meaning for him, Chapman said, and despite doubts and questions, he and his family were holding fast to their faith. In that spirit, he performed the song "Cinderella," written before Maria Sue's death and partly inspired by her.
More than anything else, such moments conveyed the basic message of religion as a source of strength and succor. For several reasons, contemporary Christian fans in Birmingham are bound to remember this concert for a long time.
Christian Music News Source
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Christian hitmakers combine their talents
Fans of Christian pop star Steven Curtis Chapman didn't have to wait long to find out how he and his family have been in the wake of personal tragedy.
Chapman, who lost his 5-year-old daughter in an accident earlier this year, put his loss at the center of his Saturday night set at the Roanoke Civic Center.
He and his fellow hitmaker, Michael W. Smith, opened their show with "Blessed Be Your Name," which Chapman described as "a truth that has been an anchor for my family and I" since Maria Chapman died in May after a car one of her brothers was driving struck her in the family's driveway.
"Lord, help us to believe this when we sing it," Chapman said before singing the lines, "You give and take away, but my heart will choose to say, blessed be your name."
Judging by the cheers from the crowd of 1,926, fans were glad to hear that Chapman's faith has stayed strong.
Not that it's been easy, he said. He had to make sure he still believed in the songs before he could take them in front of audiences, he said.
Chapman and Smith, both veterans of two decades in the Christian music business, are touring together for the first time. Each played a set of more than an hour and joined each other onstage. Chapman sang part of Smith's crossover hit, "Place in this World," while Smith sang Chapman's "The Great Adventure." They also joked about the mullet haircuts they sported in the late 1980s.
The music was mostly easy listening and not particularly adventurous, but audience members loved it, often raising one or both hands toward the sky.
Smith, introducing his song "This is Your Time," told the tale of Cassie Bernall, one of the victims of the April 1999 shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo. One of the two shooters asked Bernall if she believed in God, Smith said -- Bernall said yes, "and that kid pulled the trigger." But the Rocky Mountain News and other sources have reported that Bernall was not involved such an exchange.
Either way, such lyrics as "It was a test we could all hope to pass, but none of us would want to take," were apt for a crowd that obviously shared the faith of Smith and Chapman.
The civic center used a curtain and tarps to reduce capacity to about 2,000, and empty seats remained.
Christian Music News Source
Chapman, who lost his 5-year-old daughter in an accident earlier this year, put his loss at the center of his Saturday night set at the Roanoke Civic Center.
He and his fellow hitmaker, Michael W. Smith, opened their show with "Blessed Be Your Name," which Chapman described as "a truth that has been an anchor for my family and I" since Maria Chapman died in May after a car one of her brothers was driving struck her in the family's driveway.
"Lord, help us to believe this when we sing it," Chapman said before singing the lines, "You give and take away, but my heart will choose to say, blessed be your name."
Judging by the cheers from the crowd of 1,926, fans were glad to hear that Chapman's faith has stayed strong.
Not that it's been easy, he said. He had to make sure he still believed in the songs before he could take them in front of audiences, he said.
Chapman and Smith, both veterans of two decades in the Christian music business, are touring together for the first time. Each played a set of more than an hour and joined each other onstage. Chapman sang part of Smith's crossover hit, "Place in this World," while Smith sang Chapman's "The Great Adventure." They also joked about the mullet haircuts they sported in the late 1980s.
The music was mostly easy listening and not particularly adventurous, but audience members loved it, often raising one or both hands toward the sky.
Smith, introducing his song "This is Your Time," told the tale of Cassie Bernall, one of the victims of the April 1999 shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo. One of the two shooters asked Bernall if she believed in God, Smith said -- Bernall said yes, "and that kid pulled the trigger." But the Rocky Mountain News and other sources have reported that Bernall was not involved such an exchange.
Either way, such lyrics as "It was a test we could all hope to pass, but none of us would want to take," were apt for a crowd that obviously shared the faith of Smith and Chapman.
The civic center used a curtain and tarps to reduce capacity to about 2,000, and empty seats remained.
Christian Music News Source
Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman Prepare to Kick Off Historic Tour
Award-winning and multi-Platinum-selling artists Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman will kick off their historic joint tour Thursday with plans to hit 19 cities through early November.
Joining forces together for the first time, Chapman and Smith will start off their month-long “United Tour” in Columbus, Ohio, and travel throughout the east coast before concluding in St. Augustine, Fla., on Nov. 8.
The unique tour will showcase two of Christian Music’s most recognized and beloved artists, who together have garnered a staggering eight Grammy awards, 96 Dove Awards, 77 No. 1 singles and more than 30 Gold and Platinum albums. It also marks the first tour for Chapman since his family’s loss of their five-year-old daughter, Maria.
“What new world order is this!?!? Michael W Smith and SCC on stage doing songs together? Woo. Well wow and wow,” exclaimed Jim Houser, Chapman’s manager, in his weblog Wednesday as the two Christian music legends rehearsed.
On Tuesday, Houser estimated that as many as seven tour stops have been sold out so far.
“As I like to say... we are pushing the tour out the door,” he wrote.
The idea for the joint tour reportedly came shortly after Chapman and Smith spent time together in the United Kingdom working on the “Compassionart project,” which brought more than 10 of Christian Music’s most revered singers, songwriters and worship leaders together to write and record a collection of songs for charity.
According to Compassionart, Smith said the gathering was “one of the most significant weeks of [his] life.”
Benefiting from the Christian music stars’ upcoming tour will be Smith’s long-time ministry partner, Compassion International, and Chapman’s adoption ministry, Shaohannah’s Hope.
Throughout the tour, both artists will perform music from their current and upcoming albums – Chapman’s This Moment and Smith’s A New Hallelujah.
Tour Dates and Locations:
October 9th Columbus, OH Palace Theatre
October 10th Cincinnacti, OH Aronoff Center
October 11th Roanoke, VA PAC
October 14th Mc Murray, PA South Hills Bible Church
October 16th Myrtle Beach, SC Beach Church
October 17th Atlanta, GA Cobb Energy PAC
October 18th Spartanburg, SC Spartanburg Memorial Aud
October 19th Birmingham, AL BJCC Concert Hall
October 23rd Tulsa, OK Spirit Bank Arena
October 24th Omaha, NE Holland PAC
October 25th Waukegan, IL Genesee Theatre
October 26th Merrilville, IN Star Plaza Theatre
October 29th Lowell, MA Memorial Auditorium
October 30th Rochester, NY Auditorium Theatre
October 31st Bethesda, MD Strathmore Music Center
November 1st Alabany, NY Palace Theatre
November 5th Ft. Lauderdale, FL Broward Center
November 7th Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
November 8th St. Augustine, FL Amphitheatre
Christian Music News Source
Joining forces together for the first time, Chapman and Smith will start off their month-long “United Tour” in Columbus, Ohio, and travel throughout the east coast before concluding in St. Augustine, Fla., on Nov. 8.
The unique tour will showcase two of Christian Music’s most recognized and beloved artists, who together have garnered a staggering eight Grammy awards, 96 Dove Awards, 77 No. 1 singles and more than 30 Gold and Platinum albums. It also marks the first tour for Chapman since his family’s loss of their five-year-old daughter, Maria.
“What new world order is this!?!? Michael W Smith and SCC on stage doing songs together? Woo. Well wow and wow,” exclaimed Jim Houser, Chapman’s manager, in his weblog Wednesday as the two Christian music legends rehearsed.
On Tuesday, Houser estimated that as many as seven tour stops have been sold out so far.
“As I like to say... we are pushing the tour out the door,” he wrote.
The idea for the joint tour reportedly came shortly after Chapman and Smith spent time together in the United Kingdom working on the “Compassionart project,” which brought more than 10 of Christian Music’s most revered singers, songwriters and worship leaders together to write and record a collection of songs for charity.
According to Compassionart, Smith said the gathering was “one of the most significant weeks of [his] life.”
Benefiting from the Christian music stars’ upcoming tour will be Smith’s long-time ministry partner, Compassion International, and Chapman’s adoption ministry, Shaohannah’s Hope.
Throughout the tour, both artists will perform music from their current and upcoming albums – Chapman’s This Moment and Smith’s A New Hallelujah.
Tour Dates and Locations:
October 9th Columbus, OH Palace Theatre
October 10th Cincinnacti, OH Aronoff Center
October 11th Roanoke, VA PAC
October 14th Mc Murray, PA South Hills Bible Church
October 16th Myrtle Beach, SC Beach Church
October 17th Atlanta, GA Cobb Energy PAC
October 18th Spartanburg, SC Spartanburg Memorial Aud
October 19th Birmingham, AL BJCC Concert Hall
October 23rd Tulsa, OK Spirit Bank Arena
October 24th Omaha, NE Holland PAC
October 25th Waukegan, IL Genesee Theatre
October 26th Merrilville, IN Star Plaza Theatre
October 29th Lowell, MA Memorial Auditorium
October 30th Rochester, NY Auditorium Theatre
October 31st Bethesda, MD Strathmore Music Center
November 1st Alabany, NY Palace Theatre
November 5th Ft. Lauderdale, FL Broward Center
November 7th Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
November 8th St. Augustine, FL Amphitheatre
Christian Music News Source
Friday, September 19, 2008
Michael W. Smith - It's a Wonderful Christmas (Reunion/Provident)
It's not only a wonderful Christmas, but also Michael W. Smith's 20th album in an illustrious 25-year career. His third holiday project stylistically falls somewhere between 1989's Christmas and 1998's Christmastime (every 9 years, eh?), with a little bit of his 2000 instrumental project Freedom thrown in. The sweeping orchestrations are back, though more schmaltzy with the pop feel of a film soundtrack—the whimsical title cut is a dead ringer for John Williams' contributions to the Harry Potter films. The instrumentation is rich, featuring four choirs and a 65-piece orchestra recorded at London's Abbey Road studios. Nearly half the disc is instrumental, some more Christmas sounding than others—"Song for a King" is a deeply expressive piece for piano and violin, but "A Highland Carol" seems more an excuse to play with bagpipes. The vocal pieces are generally strong (celebratory "Christmas Angels," the mini Advent epic "The Promise"), but Smitty's best is oddly the one he doesn't sing on, the choir-and-orchestra anthem "Sing Noel, Sing Hallelujah." As a whole, Wonderful Christmas is a little too familiar and not as inventive as Christmas was, but the music is crafted with more than enough originality and excellence to make it worthwhile.—Breimeier....
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Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
Michael W. Smith - Stand (Reunion)
Sounds like … AC pop ballads, most of it worship-oriented, reminiscent of Mark Schultz, Chris Tomlin, and Richard Marx, with some flashes of Brit rock inspired by Coldplay and Leeland.
At a glance … an abundance of slow, underdeveloped, repetitive songs along with some poor track sequencing make Stand the first true misfire among Michael W. Smith's string of hit albums.
For nearly 25 years, Michael W. Smith has reigned supreme with a string of hook-laden pop albums, not to mention a charming boy-next-door personality that's endeared him to multiple generations—hard to believe the youthful singer/songwriter is already approaching 50! His career took something of a detour after 1999's This Is Your Time, successfully dabbling with instrumental scoring and live worship for a period. Healing Rain (2004) marked his return to pop with middling results, though it offered enough to satisfy patient fans, and singles from outside projects ("Signs," "All in the Serve") demonstrated Smitty could still recapture his trademark programmed pop/rock style.
Now along comes Stand, Smith's 19th album, and I'm left with the chorus from a John Mayer song echoing in my head: "Something's missing, and I don't know what it is." Oh, I have my guesses, but if you had told me ten years ago there would come a day where I'd find a Smitty album that I cared for less than Michael W. Smith 2, I'd have called you crazy. But at least the infamous "argyle album" had more personality and creativity.
Part of the problem is that Stand can't decide whether it's pop or worship—not that it can't be both, but this album never finds the right balance. The supposed underlying theme is an extension of Smith's 1997 hit "Live the Life," making a stand for faith beyond church on Sunday. This creates an opportunity for songs of social consciousness and practical faith in action, and there are a few. The sing-along ballad "Open Arms" challenges the church to carry love beyond its walls, radio single "Come to the Cross" proclaims Christ's open invitation to redemption, and "In Silence" effectively notes, "Sometimes we're loudest when the doors are shut and no one can see our face/But it seems we're quiet when someone needs a touch of heaven's grace."
That's as deep as the message goes, however. The middle chunk of Stand could well be tagged as Smitty's third worship project, starting with "Be Lifted High" before diving into a short, string-enhanced arrangement of "Oh Lord, You're Beautiful" that fortunately distinguishes itself from Keith Green's original with a darker reflective tone. The best of the bunch is "Grace," a quiet and transparent confessional co-written with Martin Smith (Delirious)—"All I have is all from You/And all I want is all of You." But that's followed by a brief cover of the closing worship chorus from "The Stand" by Hillsong United, which has the same numbing effect as Rich Mullins' "Awesome God" repeated without the verses, before concluding with the worshipful build of "Come See."....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
At a glance … an abundance of slow, underdeveloped, repetitive songs along with some poor track sequencing make Stand the first true misfire among Michael W. Smith's string of hit albums.
For nearly 25 years, Michael W. Smith has reigned supreme with a string of hook-laden pop albums, not to mention a charming boy-next-door personality that's endeared him to multiple generations—hard to believe the youthful singer/songwriter is already approaching 50! His career took something of a detour after 1999's This Is Your Time, successfully dabbling with instrumental scoring and live worship for a period. Healing Rain (2004) marked his return to pop with middling results, though it offered enough to satisfy patient fans, and singles from outside projects ("Signs," "All in the Serve") demonstrated Smitty could still recapture his trademark programmed pop/rock style.
Now along comes Stand, Smith's 19th album, and I'm left with the chorus from a John Mayer song echoing in my head: "Something's missing, and I don't know what it is." Oh, I have my guesses, but if you had told me ten years ago there would come a day where I'd find a Smitty album that I cared for less than Michael W. Smith 2, I'd have called you crazy. But at least the infamous "argyle album" had more personality and creativity.
Part of the problem is that Stand can't decide whether it's pop or worship—not that it can't be both, but this album never finds the right balance. The supposed underlying theme is an extension of Smith's 1997 hit "Live the Life," making a stand for faith beyond church on Sunday. This creates an opportunity for songs of social consciousness and practical faith in action, and there are a few. The sing-along ballad "Open Arms" challenges the church to carry love beyond its walls, radio single "Come to the Cross" proclaims Christ's open invitation to redemption, and "In Silence" effectively notes, "Sometimes we're loudest when the doors are shut and no one can see our face/But it seems we're quiet when someone needs a touch of heaven's grace."
That's as deep as the message goes, however. The middle chunk of Stand could well be tagged as Smitty's third worship project, starting with "Be Lifted High" before diving into a short, string-enhanced arrangement of "Oh Lord, You're Beautiful" that fortunately distinguishes itself from Keith Green's original with a darker reflective tone. The best of the bunch is "Grace," a quiet and transparent confessional co-written with Martin Smith (Delirious)—"All I have is all from You/And all I want is all of You." But that's followed by a brief cover of the closing worship chorus from "The Stand" by Hillsong United, which has the same numbing effect as Rich Mullins' "Awesome God" repeated without the verses, before concluding with the worshipful build of "Come See."....
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Michael W. Smith - Healing Rain (Reunion)
Sounds like … Michael W. Smith's familiar approach to pop/rock, drawing on the sounds of Coldplay, Sting, Nik Kershaw, Genesis, and a host of other tunesmiths from the '80s and '90s.
At a glance … Healing Rain is an enjoyable album of pop songs that plays too safe, failing to capitalize on Smitty's full musical potential.
It's not as if Michael W. Smith has been lying low; releasing a new album every year since 1998, he's busier than most recording artists. But the much-anticipated Healing Rain is his first pop album since dabbling with worship and instrumental music for the last five years. Mostly self-produced with some tracks helmed by Matt Bronleewe (Chris Tomlin, Rebecca St. James) and Sam Ashworth (Taylor Sorensen), the record is largely focused on themes of restoration, teaming Smith with writing partners both old (Wayne Kirkpatrick, Wes King) and new (Martin Smith of Delirious, Sorensen, and even classic pop songwriter Dan Hill).
Expectations are high for this album, but don't look for a radical departure. You might say that Smitty has wisely chosen to bridge the gap between his successful forays into worship music and his pop legacy. Three of the album's stronger tracks feature the lyricism of Delirious' Smith, giving songs like "Here I Am" a decidedly more vertical focus: "Here I come to Your threshing floor where the angels fear to tread/I'm waiting here for the King of love and to hold the hands that bled." Meshing Smith's melodic pop/rock with the British style of Coldplay and Delirious, this one's bound to be the follow-up single to the successful title track, a soaring and restorative take on familiar Smith balladry like "There She Stands" and "Everybody Free." There's also "All I Want," a closing atmospheric prayer that's somewhat dark sounding, yet strangely comforting.
Smitty has been quoted as saying he thinks people might be surprised by some of the new album. Yes, if by "surprise" he means underwhelm. Healing Rain is not a benchmark album like … well, like most of the albums this major talent has released between 1986-1998. Take "Human Spark," written as a response to 9/11, questioning the foolishness of man. Slightly reminiscent of Sting's "Fields of Gold," the song is static, surprisingly lacking spark for such a powerful subject. The same is true of "We Can't Wait Any Longer," a wake-up call to the AIDS crisis in Africa. Yet even featuring the Ugandan Children's Choir pleading for their lives, it just doesn't have enough gravity or punch to it, sounding like a stale hybrid of too many past songs by Smith.
The biggest drawback is the album relies too heavily on conventional ballads, and not really the big jaw-dropping kind that Smith is known for. Written with Sorensen as a response to The Passion of The Christ, "I Am Love" has an interesting lyric, good intensity, and a slight alternative edge to Smith's sound, but it's plodding and not memorable. "Eagles Fly" is bluesy-yet-encouraging, blending a wide variety of sounds (reggae, R&B, world, synth-pop), and still it feels like a routine demo. There's also a splendid cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" that does fit the album thematically. Smitty does it justice, nailing the performance and production while comfortably adapting it to his own catalog of sweeping ballads, but is it interesting or inventive? Nah....
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At a glance … Healing Rain is an enjoyable album of pop songs that plays too safe, failing to capitalize on Smitty's full musical potential.
It's not as if Michael W. Smith has been lying low; releasing a new album every year since 1998, he's busier than most recording artists. But the much-anticipated Healing Rain is his first pop album since dabbling with worship and instrumental music for the last five years. Mostly self-produced with some tracks helmed by Matt Bronleewe (Chris Tomlin, Rebecca St. James) and Sam Ashworth (Taylor Sorensen), the record is largely focused on themes of restoration, teaming Smith with writing partners both old (Wayne Kirkpatrick, Wes King) and new (Martin Smith of Delirious, Sorensen, and even classic pop songwriter Dan Hill).
Expectations are high for this album, but don't look for a radical departure. You might say that Smitty has wisely chosen to bridge the gap between his successful forays into worship music and his pop legacy. Three of the album's stronger tracks feature the lyricism of Delirious' Smith, giving songs like "Here I Am" a decidedly more vertical focus: "Here I come to Your threshing floor where the angels fear to tread/I'm waiting here for the King of love and to hold the hands that bled." Meshing Smith's melodic pop/rock with the British style of Coldplay and Delirious, this one's bound to be the follow-up single to the successful title track, a soaring and restorative take on familiar Smith balladry like "There She Stands" and "Everybody Free." There's also "All I Want," a closing atmospheric prayer that's somewhat dark sounding, yet strangely comforting.
Smitty has been quoted as saying he thinks people might be surprised by some of the new album. Yes, if by "surprise" he means underwhelm. Healing Rain is not a benchmark album like … well, like most of the albums this major talent has released between 1986-1998. Take "Human Spark," written as a response to 9/11, questioning the foolishness of man. Slightly reminiscent of Sting's "Fields of Gold," the song is static, surprisingly lacking spark for such a powerful subject. The same is true of "We Can't Wait Any Longer," a wake-up call to the AIDS crisis in Africa. Yet even featuring the Ugandan Children's Choir pleading for their lives, it just doesn't have enough gravity or punch to it, sounding like a stale hybrid of too many past songs by Smith.
The biggest drawback is the album relies too heavily on conventional ballads, and not really the big jaw-dropping kind that Smith is known for. Written with Sorensen as a response to The Passion of The Christ, "I Am Love" has an interesting lyric, good intensity, and a slight alternative edge to Smith's sound, but it's plodding and not memorable. "Eagles Fly" is bluesy-yet-encouraging, blending a wide variety of sounds (reggae, R&B, world, synth-pop), and still it feels like a routine demo. There's also a splendid cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" that does fit the album thematically. Smitty does it justice, nailing the performance and production while comfortably adapting it to his own catalog of sweeping ballads, but is it interesting or inventive? Nah....
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Michael W. Smith - The Second Decade (1993-2003) (Reunion)
Sounds like … textbook Smitty rockers, ballads, worship cuts and an instrumental culled from the last ten years, plus two new potential pop hits.
At a glance … an enjoyable career retrospective from one of contemporary Christian music's finest artists.
He's a singer, songwriter, composer, worship leader, father, and even a pastor. His impact after 20 years in music is immeasurable. Yet after achieving just about every possible career accolade (from Grammys to Doves to Presidential props), Michael W. Smith has kept his feet on the ground. "When I look back over 20 years, I see faces," he writes in the liner notes of The Second Decade (1993-2003). "When I reflect on the faces I see, it gives me resolve to press on—to do more for others, to be better at what I do, and to finish well." Though he could have easily rested on the laurels of classics like "Friends," Secret Ambition," "Place in this World," and "I Will Be Here For You," he's given us another decade of excellence—much of it evident on this brand-new collection. Despite missing a few suitable songs, the project continues in the memory-preserving tradition of The First Decade, released in 1993.
The Second Decade begins on a new note with the brilliantly produced lead single "Signs," a song co-written with Michael's teenage son Ryan and Wes King. Over engaging rhythms, stirring percussion, and an up-tempo piano arrangement, Smith sings of the need to stay on track in our spiritual walks: "Open your eyes/Look at the signs/Never look back at yesterday/Keep your gaze steady on the narrow way." The briskly paced "Missing Person" and "Cry For Love" follow, providing additional examples of exceptional production and meaningful lyrics. The emotional ballad "This is Your Time," its swelling orchestrations a tribute to the Columbine High School victims, further accentuates Smith's songwriting genius.
Other ballads covering Smith's wide-ranging themes include the worshipful "Above All," the faith-building "Never Been Unloved," and the sweet "Straight to the Heart." Such variety is further revealed on "I'll Lead You Home," a remix of "Breakdown," and the Beatle-esque witnessing tool "Live the Life." The project closes with two cuts showcasing Smith's piano skills—the instrumental "Freedom" and the string-enriched new cut "Raging Sea." Though "Raging Sea" doesn't cover any uncharted territory (sounding similar to his Titanic-inspired "In My Arms Again"), it's solidly produced with great radio potential.
The Second Decade is enjoyable overall, but including some other songs would've made it even better. Except for the title track, 1999's This Is Your Time is underrepresented; those not making the cut included "Worth It All," "I Will Be Your Friend," and "I Still Have the Dream." From his worship material, it's puzzling why the live "You Are Holy (Prince of Peace)" made the cut, especially when it isn't a Smith original. Granted, nor is "Above All," but at least he's responsible for making it so well-known. Perhaps the studio renditions of that song and/or "Lord Have Mercy" (featuring Amy Grant) would have better fit the album's continuity, rather than interrupting the flow with a live performance....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
At a glance … an enjoyable career retrospective from one of contemporary Christian music's finest artists.
He's a singer, songwriter, composer, worship leader, father, and even a pastor. His impact after 20 years in music is immeasurable. Yet after achieving just about every possible career accolade (from Grammys to Doves to Presidential props), Michael W. Smith has kept his feet on the ground. "When I look back over 20 years, I see faces," he writes in the liner notes of The Second Decade (1993-2003). "When I reflect on the faces I see, it gives me resolve to press on—to do more for others, to be better at what I do, and to finish well." Though he could have easily rested on the laurels of classics like "Friends," Secret Ambition," "Place in this World," and "I Will Be Here For You," he's given us another decade of excellence—much of it evident on this brand-new collection. Despite missing a few suitable songs, the project continues in the memory-preserving tradition of The First Decade, released in 1993.
The Second Decade begins on a new note with the brilliantly produced lead single "Signs," a song co-written with Michael's teenage son Ryan and Wes King. Over engaging rhythms, stirring percussion, and an up-tempo piano arrangement, Smith sings of the need to stay on track in our spiritual walks: "Open your eyes/Look at the signs/Never look back at yesterday/Keep your gaze steady on the narrow way." The briskly paced "Missing Person" and "Cry For Love" follow, providing additional examples of exceptional production and meaningful lyrics. The emotional ballad "This is Your Time," its swelling orchestrations a tribute to the Columbine High School victims, further accentuates Smith's songwriting genius.
Other ballads covering Smith's wide-ranging themes include the worshipful "Above All," the faith-building "Never Been Unloved," and the sweet "Straight to the Heart." Such variety is further revealed on "I'll Lead You Home," a remix of "Breakdown," and the Beatle-esque witnessing tool "Live the Life." The project closes with two cuts showcasing Smith's piano skills—the instrumental "Freedom" and the string-enriched new cut "Raging Sea." Though "Raging Sea" doesn't cover any uncharted territory (sounding similar to his Titanic-inspired "In My Arms Again"), it's solidly produced with great radio potential.
The Second Decade is enjoyable overall, but including some other songs would've made it even better. Except for the title track, 1999's This Is Your Time is underrepresented; those not making the cut included "Worth It All," "I Will Be Your Friend," and "I Still Have the Dream." From his worship material, it's puzzling why the live "You Are Holy (Prince of Peace)" made the cut, especially when it isn't a Smith original. Granted, nor is "Above All," but at least he's responsible for making it so well-known. Perhaps the studio renditions of that song and/or "Lord Have Mercy" (featuring Amy Grant) would have better fit the album's continuity, rather than interrupting the flow with a live performance....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
Michael W. Smith - Worship Again (Reunion)
Sounds like … not too surprisingly, a lot like Michael's previous best-selling Worship album..
At a Glance … what is surprising about Worship Again is that it's generally as good as Worship, and in many ways even better.
Let's start off with a clarification - I did not dislike Michael W. Smith's Worship album. It is undeniably an extremely well-made live recording of praise and worship, highlighted by lush arrangements, stirring worship atmosphere, and a handful of the best praise songs ever written. The platinum-selling Worship exposed these songs to thousands of listeners who weren't acquainted with such powerful expressions of praise as "Breathe," "The Heart of Worship," and "Open the Eyes of My Heart." It also helped a song called "Above All" by Paul Baloche and Lenny LeBlanc become as much a worship standard as those previously mentioned. The fact that Worship was released on September 11, 2001 can't be coincidental either, as it's been a source of comfort for those who have needed reminders that God is sovereign and loving. Indeed, Worship was the fastest-selling Christian album of 2001 and one of Michael's greatest successes as an artist – it earned Paul and Lenny a 2002 Dove Award for Best Inspirational Song, a Best Praise & Worship Album award, and a Best Artist Award for Michael. I'm as happy as anyone that Worship exceeded everyone's expectations and brought people closer to the Lord.
I would still surmise, however, that most people initially purchased Worship as fans of Michael's music, not as people hungry for worship music (which we're in no short supply of these days). Nevertheless, word of mouth about Worship spread and catapulted the album's success. My only gripe with the album is that it's not a particularly innovative or creative worship experience; it features several songs that have been performed just as well (if not better) on many other worship albums. So I have to confess I first listened to Worship Again with much skepticism. The artless title smacks of commercialism, spawning jokes of what Michael might name his next twenty worship projects (More Worship? Worship 3: Worship Returns?). The lack of creativity also extends to the album design, which features the exact same cover as Worship except for the color scheme; the back cover also looks the same as Worship, with the same photo of Michael at the piano with an up-raised hand. I was all set to review Worship Again like Worship … again. To my surprise, that's only half accurate. Michael and company have improved upon the successful formula of the Worship album. Worship Again does everything as well as the last album while improving on the few areas it fell short.
Worship was almost completely comprised of familiar songs we've heard before on other popular worship albums. In contrast, I was familiar with only half of the 12 live cuts on Worship Again, despite all the worship music I listen to. Worship only featured one original song by Smitty, the studio track "Purified," which was written with his wife Debbie. This time, Michael was responsible for five new songs on the album, including "You Are the Lord" (with Debbie's assistance) and "I Can Hear Your Voice" (written with Debbie and their daughter Whitney). Despite a strong opening call to worship, the previous album didn't end with a sense of finality, trailing off into the closing two studio tracks. Worship Again begins and ends like a true worship concert experience before segueing into three studio tracks. As cool as it was to have a guest choir of established Christian artists on Worship, it was also a little distracting since some of the voices stuck out prominently when they were improvising. It's not surprising because of the logistics that Worship Again doesn't feature a similar celebrity choir, but rather an equally talented group of background singers. Some may recognize Sarah McIntosh (Chasing Furies) in a duet with Michael on "Lord Have Mercy," which features Amy Grant instead on the studio version of the song (the album's first single).
As for the songs themselves, the selection is creative and original, but more importantly they're excellent expressions of contemporary worship. Worship arguably featured the better songs (hence why they're so well known), but don't think for a minute there's less to be appreciated here by worshippers and worship leaders alike. Besides, if you were introduced to worship through Michael's album, you're not going to know the difference. Steve Merkel's stunning "Lord Have Mercy" stands out in particular, and is equally enjoyable as a liturgical expression of confession and a contemporary inspirational song of worship. Traditionalist worshippers will also appreciate the hymn-like "Ancient Words," written by Lynn DeShazo. The Smith-family-penned "I Can Hear You" is highlighted by a lush orchestral pop arrangement and a richly romantic melody that sounds as if it came from Michael's Freedom album. Michael and Debbie's "You Are the Lord" is a pleasant Celtic-flavored anthem similar to their previous collaboration, "Great Is the Lord," as well as Chris Tomlin's "Famous One." Speaking of which, Michael does a fine rendition of Chris' "The Wonderful Cross," which is a contemporary reworking of the old him "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." You're probably familiar with Reuben Morgan's "I Give You My Heart" from Hillsong Worship (Darlene Zschech) and Smitty's familiar arrangement of Rich Mullins' "I See You" from the 1-998 Exodus worship project....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
At a Glance … what is surprising about Worship Again is that it's generally as good as Worship, and in many ways even better.
Let's start off with a clarification - I did not dislike Michael W. Smith's Worship album. It is undeniably an extremely well-made live recording of praise and worship, highlighted by lush arrangements, stirring worship atmosphere, and a handful of the best praise songs ever written. The platinum-selling Worship exposed these songs to thousands of listeners who weren't acquainted with such powerful expressions of praise as "Breathe," "The Heart of Worship," and "Open the Eyes of My Heart." It also helped a song called "Above All" by Paul Baloche and Lenny LeBlanc become as much a worship standard as those previously mentioned. The fact that Worship was released on September 11, 2001 can't be coincidental either, as it's been a source of comfort for those who have needed reminders that God is sovereign and loving. Indeed, Worship was the fastest-selling Christian album of 2001 and one of Michael's greatest successes as an artist – it earned Paul and Lenny a 2002 Dove Award for Best Inspirational Song, a Best Praise & Worship Album award, and a Best Artist Award for Michael. I'm as happy as anyone that Worship exceeded everyone's expectations and brought people closer to the Lord.
I would still surmise, however, that most people initially purchased Worship as fans of Michael's music, not as people hungry for worship music (which we're in no short supply of these days). Nevertheless, word of mouth about Worship spread and catapulted the album's success. My only gripe with the album is that it's not a particularly innovative or creative worship experience; it features several songs that have been performed just as well (if not better) on many other worship albums. So I have to confess I first listened to Worship Again with much skepticism. The artless title smacks of commercialism, spawning jokes of what Michael might name his next twenty worship projects (More Worship? Worship 3: Worship Returns?). The lack of creativity also extends to the album design, which features the exact same cover as Worship except for the color scheme; the back cover also looks the same as Worship, with the same photo of Michael at the piano with an up-raised hand. I was all set to review Worship Again like Worship … again. To my surprise, that's only half accurate. Michael and company have improved upon the successful formula of the Worship album. Worship Again does everything as well as the last album while improving on the few areas it fell short.
Worship was almost completely comprised of familiar songs we've heard before on other popular worship albums. In contrast, I was familiar with only half of the 12 live cuts on Worship Again, despite all the worship music I listen to. Worship only featured one original song by Smitty, the studio track "Purified," which was written with his wife Debbie. This time, Michael was responsible for five new songs on the album, including "You Are the Lord" (with Debbie's assistance) and "I Can Hear Your Voice" (written with Debbie and their daughter Whitney). Despite a strong opening call to worship, the previous album didn't end with a sense of finality, trailing off into the closing two studio tracks. Worship Again begins and ends like a true worship concert experience before segueing into three studio tracks. As cool as it was to have a guest choir of established Christian artists on Worship, it was also a little distracting since some of the voices stuck out prominently when they were improvising. It's not surprising because of the logistics that Worship Again doesn't feature a similar celebrity choir, but rather an equally talented group of background singers. Some may recognize Sarah McIntosh (Chasing Furies) in a duet with Michael on "Lord Have Mercy," which features Amy Grant instead on the studio version of the song (the album's first single).
As for the songs themselves, the selection is creative and original, but more importantly they're excellent expressions of contemporary worship. Worship arguably featured the better songs (hence why they're so well known), but don't think for a minute there's less to be appreciated here by worshippers and worship leaders alike. Besides, if you were introduced to worship through Michael's album, you're not going to know the difference. Steve Merkel's stunning "Lord Have Mercy" stands out in particular, and is equally enjoyable as a liturgical expression of confession and a contemporary inspirational song of worship. Traditionalist worshippers will also appreciate the hymn-like "Ancient Words," written by Lynn DeShazo. The Smith-family-penned "I Can Hear You" is highlighted by a lush orchestral pop arrangement and a richly romantic melody that sounds as if it came from Michael's Freedom album. Michael and Debbie's "You Are the Lord" is a pleasant Celtic-flavored anthem similar to their previous collaboration, "Great Is the Lord," as well as Chris Tomlin's "Famous One." Speaking of which, Michael does a fine rendition of Chris' "The Wonderful Cross," which is a contemporary reworking of the old him "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." You're probably familiar with Reuben Morgan's "I Give You My Heart" from Hillsong Worship (Darlene Zschech) and Smitty's familiar arrangement of Rich Mullins' "I See You" from the 1-998 Exodus worship project....
Continue Reading at this Christian Music Review
Michael W. Smith - Worship
Sounds like … a live contemporary worship service, similar to albums through Vineyard and Integrity, only led by Michael W. Smith and an all-star choir.
At a Glance … it's a beautifully produced and performed worship album, but we expected something more creative and original, considering the songwriting talent of the man behind the music.
Russ: As one of the strongest musical presences in Christian music for nearly twenty years, Michael W. Smith hardly needs any introduction here. His latest album, simply titled Worship, marks his first worship project in all that time. Considering Michael's impact on worship music over the course of his career and the recent surge in worship projects over the last few years, both Andy and I felt we should try something different with this album review by presenting a dialogue/dual review—since we're both avid fans, it was either this or arm-wrestling over who got to review this much-anticipated release. So without further ado, Andy, how about giving some background info on this project?
Andy: Well, Russ, Worship is a live recording of 11 popular praise songs, plus 2 studio cuts at the end. The live performance took place on June 1 at the Carpenter's Home Church in Lakeland, Florida, with over 9,000 people in attendance. In addition to Smitty and his band, several artists attended the worship event, many of whom were part of an all-star backing choir, including Amy Grant, Out of Eden, Cindy Morgan, Greg Long, Chris Rice, Ginny Owens, Phillips, Craig, and Dean, Erin O'Donnell, Mark Schultz, Darwin Hobbs, Shawn Groves, and Nathan Walters and Jason Perry of Plus One.
Russ: And of course, Michael served as the worship leader from the piano. It should be noted that Michael has been sporadically leading worship throughout his career, but he's been more actively involved with it now that he's the worship leader at New River Fellowship, a church he recently helped start near his home in Nashville. As I mentioned earlier, Andy and I are both big fans of Michael's past work, from Project to Freedom, so keep that bias in mind. What did you think of the recording, Andy?
Andy: You just can't expect anything less than the best when it comes to a live musical performance by Michael W. Smith. As is true at any Smitty concert, he has a superb backing band, and of course for this album he's got the all-star choir to boot. As always, he really puts his heart into the experience, though I think he puts even more into this because of his passion for worship. Could you hear that too?
Russ: I don't know if I can say he's more passionate here because he's always so good at connecting with the audience in his concerts, regardless of the setting and whether or not he's singing worship songs. I was also impressed with the quality of the recording and the musicianship. The band is very professional, and though there are plenty of instrumental solos, they never overwhelm the listener and the sense of worship. Michael's piano stands out, of course, the guitars are generally soft and acoustic, and there's some good percussion to complement the drums. Probably the most ear-catching element of the band's sound is the violin, which often solos during the transitions between songs. Though it makes the sound a little reminiscent of a Yanni concert, it still lends the recording a more beautiful and different sound than average. How about the song selection?
Andy: Michael's said he's committed to picking the finest worship songs, and he definitely selected some of the most beloved ones for the new album. He includes a few classics, such as "Awesome God" and "Open the Eyes of My Heart," and gives them a Smitty twist, as well as some of the newer standards such as "The Heart of Worship" and "Forever." Familiar favorites also include "Agnus Dei," written by Smith, and "Draw Me Close," which was made famous by The Katinas on the Exodus project. Smith and company bring a breath of fresh air to these favorites, and having a whole host of voices in the background lifting up the lyrics proves to be particularly moving.
Russ: I've got to say that Michael has indeed picked a lot of my favorites. There's not a whole lot to critique in terms of performance or song selection, though I wish they did more with "Awesome God" other than repeat the chorus for four and a half minutes. Michael's performed the whole song before, so he could have shortened this and added another song from the concert. The live portion also ends rather abruptly. Michael's daughters Emily and Anna open the album with a Psalm reading (an Introit), but on the other end, the project stops abruptly and segues into the two studio tracks without so much as a benediction or a "Good night and God bless." I also wish the album wasn't so ballad heavy, which makes the recording feel a little too adult contemporary. The only up-tempo songs are "Forever" and "Open the Eyes of My Heart." Of course the slow worshipful ballads are more intimate and powerful sounding, but there could have been a little more balance.
Andy: In addition to all those well-known songs, there are two new ones on Worship. First there's the Lenny LeBlanc and Paul Baloche penned "Above All," which appears twice on the album, as a live track and a studio track. I think the studio version wins out with a glossy and crisp radio-friendly sound. The only other studio recording is "Purified," a pleasant adult contemporary song Michael co-wrote with his wife, Debbie. Both of the studio tracks seem destined to make huge waves on radio.
Russ: I thought "Purified" was pretty good, but "Above All" really impressed me (especially the studio version). To me, that song seems as powerful and catchy as "Shout to the Lord." I appreciate that it praises God with poetic lyrics that set it apart from so many other worship songs today that seem to say nothing new or original. Andy just mentioned something that surprised me, though—Michael didn't write it! Aside from "Purified," there's nothing new from Michael on this album. Here's a guy who's well known and respected for writing some of today's most beloved worship songs: "Thy Word," "How Majestic Is Your Name," "Great Is the Lord," and the aforementioned "Agnus Dei." Why the lack of originality?
Andy: I wondered the same thing too. According to Michael, this record is meant to chronicle the songs he feels the strongest connection to, the tunes he likes to sing in his spare time. Although I can understand his reasoning, I still can't imagine why he didn't include more original material. His songwriting skills are unrivaled in my opinion, and he's written so many timeless standards, including the ones you mentioned. I would venture to say that had Smith included his classic formula for writing great music, this project would be even more appealing.
Russ: I agree, and this is where Worship is a disappointment to me. It's like "Michael W. Smith Sings His Favorite Worship Songs," and I don't think it's the worship album fans were hoping for from him. His previous worship project Exodus was a much more creative expression of worship, even though he didn't really write original material for that album either—as the album's producer, he gave the songs a very different sound than what was typical at that time. I would submit that Exodus is one of the most important worship albums ever, and that it was one of the catalysts that brought worship music back into the spotlight in recent years. Worship, on the other hand, seems like just another live worship recording along the lines of what you'd expect from Integrity Music and Vineyard. I don't want to belittle the worship experience of this or any other recording, but you have to ask yourself what's special about the album to make you buy it, and I think we all know the answer. People aren't going to buy this because it's a powerful expression of live worship—we have thousands of such albums available today. People will buy this because it's from Michael W. Smith … and it happens to be a worship album.
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At a Glance … it's a beautifully produced and performed worship album, but we expected something more creative and original, considering the songwriting talent of the man behind the music.
Russ: As one of the strongest musical presences in Christian music for nearly twenty years, Michael W. Smith hardly needs any introduction here. His latest album, simply titled Worship, marks his first worship project in all that time. Considering Michael's impact on worship music over the course of his career and the recent surge in worship projects over the last few years, both Andy and I felt we should try something different with this album review by presenting a dialogue/dual review—since we're both avid fans, it was either this or arm-wrestling over who got to review this much-anticipated release. So without further ado, Andy, how about giving some background info on this project?
Andy: Well, Russ, Worship is a live recording of 11 popular praise songs, plus 2 studio cuts at the end. The live performance took place on June 1 at the Carpenter's Home Church in Lakeland, Florida, with over 9,000 people in attendance. In addition to Smitty and his band, several artists attended the worship event, many of whom were part of an all-star backing choir, including Amy Grant, Out of Eden, Cindy Morgan, Greg Long, Chris Rice, Ginny Owens, Phillips, Craig, and Dean, Erin O'Donnell, Mark Schultz, Darwin Hobbs, Shawn Groves, and Nathan Walters and Jason Perry of Plus One.
Russ: And of course, Michael served as the worship leader from the piano. It should be noted that Michael has been sporadically leading worship throughout his career, but he's been more actively involved with it now that he's the worship leader at New River Fellowship, a church he recently helped start near his home in Nashville. As I mentioned earlier, Andy and I are both big fans of Michael's past work, from Project to Freedom, so keep that bias in mind. What did you think of the recording, Andy?
Andy: You just can't expect anything less than the best when it comes to a live musical performance by Michael W. Smith. As is true at any Smitty concert, he has a superb backing band, and of course for this album he's got the all-star choir to boot. As always, he really puts his heart into the experience, though I think he puts even more into this because of his passion for worship. Could you hear that too?
Russ: I don't know if I can say he's more passionate here because he's always so good at connecting with the audience in his concerts, regardless of the setting and whether or not he's singing worship songs. I was also impressed with the quality of the recording and the musicianship. The band is very professional, and though there are plenty of instrumental solos, they never overwhelm the listener and the sense of worship. Michael's piano stands out, of course, the guitars are generally soft and acoustic, and there's some good percussion to complement the drums. Probably the most ear-catching element of the band's sound is the violin, which often solos during the transitions between songs. Though it makes the sound a little reminiscent of a Yanni concert, it still lends the recording a more beautiful and different sound than average. How about the song selection?
Andy: Michael's said he's committed to picking the finest worship songs, and he definitely selected some of the most beloved ones for the new album. He includes a few classics, such as "Awesome God" and "Open the Eyes of My Heart," and gives them a Smitty twist, as well as some of the newer standards such as "The Heart of Worship" and "Forever." Familiar favorites also include "Agnus Dei," written by Smith, and "Draw Me Close," which was made famous by The Katinas on the Exodus project. Smith and company bring a breath of fresh air to these favorites, and having a whole host of voices in the background lifting up the lyrics proves to be particularly moving.
Russ: I've got to say that Michael has indeed picked a lot of my favorites. There's not a whole lot to critique in terms of performance or song selection, though I wish they did more with "Awesome God" other than repeat the chorus for four and a half minutes. Michael's performed the whole song before, so he could have shortened this and added another song from the concert. The live portion also ends rather abruptly. Michael's daughters Emily and Anna open the album with a Psalm reading (an Introit), but on the other end, the project stops abruptly and segues into the two studio tracks without so much as a benediction or a "Good night and God bless." I also wish the album wasn't so ballad heavy, which makes the recording feel a little too adult contemporary. The only up-tempo songs are "Forever" and "Open the Eyes of My Heart." Of course the slow worshipful ballads are more intimate and powerful sounding, but there could have been a little more balance.
Andy: In addition to all those well-known songs, there are two new ones on Worship. First there's the Lenny LeBlanc and Paul Baloche penned "Above All," which appears twice on the album, as a live track and a studio track. I think the studio version wins out with a glossy and crisp radio-friendly sound. The only other studio recording is "Purified," a pleasant adult contemporary song Michael co-wrote with his wife, Debbie. Both of the studio tracks seem destined to make huge waves on radio.
Russ: I thought "Purified" was pretty good, but "Above All" really impressed me (especially the studio version). To me, that song seems as powerful and catchy as "Shout to the Lord." I appreciate that it praises God with poetic lyrics that set it apart from so many other worship songs today that seem to say nothing new or original. Andy just mentioned something that surprised me, though—Michael didn't write it! Aside from "Purified," there's nothing new from Michael on this album. Here's a guy who's well known and respected for writing some of today's most beloved worship songs: "Thy Word," "How Majestic Is Your Name," "Great Is the Lord," and the aforementioned "Agnus Dei." Why the lack of originality?
Andy: I wondered the same thing too. According to Michael, this record is meant to chronicle the songs he feels the strongest connection to, the tunes he likes to sing in his spare time. Although I can understand his reasoning, I still can't imagine why he didn't include more original material. His songwriting skills are unrivaled in my opinion, and he's written so many timeless standards, including the ones you mentioned. I would venture to say that had Smith included his classic formula for writing great music, this project would be even more appealing.
Russ: I agree, and this is where Worship is a disappointment to me. It's like "Michael W. Smith Sings His Favorite Worship Songs," and I don't think it's the worship album fans were hoping for from him. His previous worship project Exodus was a much more creative expression of worship, even though he didn't really write original material for that album either—as the album's producer, he gave the songs a very different sound than what was typical at that time. I would submit that Exodus is one of the most important worship albums ever, and that it was one of the catalysts that brought worship music back into the spotlight in recent years. Worship, on the other hand, seems like just another live worship recording along the lines of what you'd expect from Integrity Music and Vineyard. I don't want to belittle the worship experience of this or any other recording, but you have to ask yourself what's special about the album to make you buy it, and I think we all know the answer. People aren't going to buy this because it's a powerful expression of live worship—we have thousands of such albums available today. People will buy this because it's from Michael W. Smith … and it happens to be a worship album.
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Michael W. Smith - Freedom
It's been seven years since one of my favorite artists, Billy Joel, has recorded an album with all new material. He's since retired from popular music in order to focus on composing classical music. I'm eagerly awaiting that classical music album, but it's been four years since his announcement, and still nothing new. Now focus on fellow piano man Michael W. Smith. Though he's considered doing an instrumental album for years, he did not publicly announce a project until earlier this year. But at least Smitty makes an announcement and BAM!, we see results. Granted, this is not classical music but instrumental soundtrack music, so it's arguably a little less complicated. Freedomis, nevertheless, a well made project that indicates a future second-career in movie soundtracks for Michael W. Smith.
Let me first address the critical issues. Some people are going to criticize Michael's latest project for not being a "Christian album." I hope I'm wrong about that, but the lack of lyrical content and the presence of music inspired by the Civil War probably will arouse skeptics. I, however, consider the project to be "God-inspired," and would refer people to Bob Briner's book Roaring Lambs for further thoughts on the matter. Then there are some people who consider Michael's music overly schmaltzy (and at times it can be). As a fan, I consider a lot of the music on Freedomhis "schmaltziest" yet, so Smitty's critics be warned. For those who enjoy Michael's music or instrumental movie soundtracks, they're really going to like this album. Freedom is almost like a professional demo, showing off a variety of styles of which Michael is capable.
There's a surprising cohesiveness to the first seven or eight tracks, because they share a cinematic feel (with a military and Celtic flair). Smitty's composing style is most reminiscent of works by James Newton Howard and James Horner, but it's not quite as memorable and grandiose as John Williams (though it comes close). The primary musical theme of the album is "Freedom," a piece inspired by a Civil War battle in Franklin, Tennessee, which sounds like something straight out of films like The Rockor The Patriot (or maybe even City Slickers). It's a beautiful, distinctly American melody that appears throughout the project. Another highlight is "Hibernia," a rollicking Irish-flavored piece featuring a big orchestra and lots of percussion. There are several beautiful piano pieces too, two of them ("Carol Ann" and "Prayer for Taylor") were written in tribute to friends who passed away in the last year.....
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Let me first address the critical issues. Some people are going to criticize Michael's latest project for not being a "Christian album." I hope I'm wrong about that, but the lack of lyrical content and the presence of music inspired by the Civil War probably will arouse skeptics. I, however, consider the project to be "God-inspired," and would refer people to Bob Briner's book Roaring Lambs for further thoughts on the matter. Then there are some people who consider Michael's music overly schmaltzy (and at times it can be). As a fan, I consider a lot of the music on Freedomhis "schmaltziest" yet, so Smitty's critics be warned. For those who enjoy Michael's music or instrumental movie soundtracks, they're really going to like this album. Freedom is almost like a professional demo, showing off a variety of styles of which Michael is capable.
There's a surprising cohesiveness to the first seven or eight tracks, because they share a cinematic feel (with a military and Celtic flair). Smitty's composing style is most reminiscent of works by James Newton Howard and James Horner, but it's not quite as memorable and grandiose as John Williams (though it comes close). The primary musical theme of the album is "Freedom," a piece inspired by a Civil War battle in Franklin, Tennessee, which sounds like something straight out of films like The Rockor The Patriot (or maybe even City Slickers). It's a beautiful, distinctly American melody that appears throughout the project. Another highlight is "Hibernia," a rollicking Irish-flavored piece featuring a big orchestra and lots of percussion. There are several beautiful piano pieces too, two of them ("Carol Ann" and "Prayer for Taylor") were written in tribute to friends who passed away in the last year.....
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Michael W. Smith - THIS IS YOUR TIME (1999)
Inspired by the tragedy of the Columbine High School shooting and the memory of Cassie Bernall, Christian pop recording artist Michael W. Smith sat down with other major names in the Christian music industry and began writing songs. His efforts resulted in this newest project, This Is Your Time. Working with artists such as Cindy Morgan, Wes King, Dan Haseltine (Jars of Clay), Ginny Owens, and Chris Rice, this latest album contains some of Smith's best work yet. Other Christian artists singing back-up vocals include John Elefante, Angela Cruz, Natalie Grant, Nik Kershaw, Darwin Hobbs, and Chris Rodriguez. The album is chock full of Smitty's own early 90s style, with a few noticeable differences. One such difference is that one of Michael's co-writers is his own wife, Deborah D. Smith, and two of the tracks on the CD, "Hey You, It's Me" and "I'm Gone" are written especially for her. These fill the love song category on the project, but differ from previous works of Smith in the fact that both are rhythmic, upbeat, pop tunes. Smith also wrote two songs his daughters, Anna and Whitney, who join their dad singing background vocals for the album's title cut. The songs, "She Walks With Me" and the appropriately titled "Anna", deal with the mixed feelings Smith has watching his children grow up: love, sadness, and joy. The opening and closing tracks are instrumentals; "Rince De (God's Dance)" is a lively tune showered with flutes, bagpipes, and a wide assortment of other such wind instruments, while the reprise of "This Is Your Time" showcases Michael's incredible talents as a pianist. "Worth It All" is another high octane pop cut co-written by Smitty's wife that says following God's call, even if it means giving up everything, is worth the price. Two of the slower, more moving tunes on the CD are "I Will Be Your Friend", reminiscent of MWS's "Friends", and "This Is Your Time", the title cut of the album and also the first radio single. Both songs were inspired by the students of Columbine High School and are positive, uplifting, and encouraging. They are sure to become popular songs for high school graduations in the upcoming year. Meanwhile, "I Will Carry You" is a song about standing in the gap for others and sounds like a play off of Kirk Franklin's "Lean On Me." ....
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Michael W. Smith - CHRISTMASTIME (1998)
When I first heard of Smitty's Christmastime, his second to date, I thought "Yes, he's finally going to do a Christmas album right." What was my problem with his 1989 Christmas? CCM radio listeners know and love "No Eye Has Seen" (an Amy Grant duet), the boychoir solo "All is Well" (reportedly Smitty's favorite of his own music) and the dominant pop cut "Gloria." Several questions haunt any listener with an ear for music (intense Smitty fans: please take no offense—the truth hurts): Why does the choir have as much volume as Michael on so many tracks? Why pound the Latin phrase "Lux Venit" when it means nothing to anyone? And, above all, why sing through your nose? An enjoyable listening experience this surely isn't. Still, the Smith instrumental work is unmatched, especially the stirring originals "Memoirs" and "First Snowfall." So on with Christmastime. Does he do it right this time around? In many ways, yes. Gone is the constant drone of a church choir, replaced by a slicker, well-produced Hollywood Cathedral Church Choir, the same one on Bryan Duncan's forever classic album Christmas is Jesus. On Christmastime, many new, passionate piano instrumentals brighten the overall feel of the record, from the tender "Hope of Israel" to the more power-injected "O Christmas Tree," a duet with Phil Keaggy providing guitar. The sweet sound of Smitty's eight year-old daughter Anna duals with the musical backdrop of enchanting choir and strings in the "Manger Medley." This and "Sing We Now of Christmas (Medley)" both impressed me with their obvious sincerity and beautiful instrumentation....
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Michael W. Smith - Live The Life, Compact Disc [CD]
Reviewed by Christina Patterson (Edmonton, Ab,), September 22, 2007
If I could own only one Christian CD , this would be it. This is the type of cd that speaks to your heart without being heavily saturated with "God Loves You" and "God is almighty". Yes it's still there but light and easy to listen to.
Reviewed by Tina Sedlmayer (Gold Coast Australia), February 23, 2003
This is a great cd. Some very inspiring songs on this cd.
Reviewed by Jason Love (Painesville, Oh), October 21, 2002
I agree with everybody's opinion, this CD is one of Michael's best work; he is my fave male musician of all time. It's refreshing to hear somebody make a CD without using profanity or violence. Smitty Rules!!!
Reviewed by Chris (IL), April 17, 2002
This is Michael's best work!!!!(besides Worship of course) The lyrics are awesome and the music is too!!! You can really connect to God through the songs. Michael ROCKS!!!!
Reviewed by Leah (USA), April 08, 2002
I just LOVE this CD (and all the rest too)!! Live The Life really challenged me to live like God wants me to. After all, all non-Christians see God through us. If they see Christians acting the same way as themselves why bother becoming a Christian?? So this song really challenged ME to start "practicing what I'm preaching". And the first time I heard Hellow, Good-bye and In My Arms Again I started crying. And I also love Never Been Unloved cause it reminds me that no matter what I do God'll ALWAYS love me. Well I could tell you stories about how each song has affected me but I guess I'll stop there. (have you figured out who my favorite singer is?? LOL)
Reviewed by V. Young (AZ), November 01, 2001
WOW!! I just love this CD. My favorite on this is Hello, Goodbye. My sister e-mailed me this song from a web site relating to September 11. Great song. www.bluemaxrc.com/tribute/2/index.htm.
Reviewed by Kate (Mass), October 06, 2001
This cd is really awesome there's not one song on here that I don't like! I love the songs Missing Person, Love me Good, Live the Life,(no I'm not going to name them all)I Believe in you know, Let me show you the way, and Know Your Name. Yeah, okay I love them all. There is not one song that Smittys written that I dislike. This cd is definitely one of his best and one of my favorites. Michael W. Smith is the best artist there is!!!!!! This cd is a must have to anyone who likes his music (and anyone who doesn't although they have got to be crazy not to like his music)Smittys the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reviewed by Chelsea (GA), July 17, 2001
Okay first of all I want to say that Michael W Smith is truly AMAZING and he's by a very very long shot my favorite artist!! I love this cd and I think it is very powerful. Missing Person is catchy, Love Me Good and Live The Life and Never Been Unloved have great lyrics, I love the music to Don't Give Up!, Let Me SHow You The Way is one of my favorite songs, I know Your Name and Matter Of Time have great lyrics, In My Arms Again and Hello, Goodbye are super songs and very powerful, and I love ALL of Michael's instrumentals but Song For Rich is one of his best!! This is a great cd and if you're thinking of buying it than STOP THINKING AND DO IT!!! This is a must-have cd! Michael, you've done a wonderful, amazing, super job and I can't wait for the next cd!!! This cd is a 10/5!!!...
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If I could own only one Christian CD , this would be it. This is the type of cd that speaks to your heart without being heavily saturated with "God Loves You" and "God is almighty". Yes it's still there but light and easy to listen to.
Reviewed by Tina Sedlmayer (Gold Coast Australia), February 23, 2003
This is a great cd. Some very inspiring songs on this cd.
Reviewed by Jason Love (Painesville, Oh), October 21, 2002
I agree with everybody's opinion, this CD is one of Michael's best work; he is my fave male musician of all time. It's refreshing to hear somebody make a CD without using profanity or violence. Smitty Rules!!!
Reviewed by Chris (IL), April 17, 2002
This is Michael's best work!!!!(besides Worship of course) The lyrics are awesome and the music is too!!! You can really connect to God through the songs. Michael ROCKS!!!!
Reviewed by Leah (USA), April 08, 2002
I just LOVE this CD (and all the rest too)!! Live The Life really challenged me to live like God wants me to. After all, all non-Christians see God through us. If they see Christians acting the same way as themselves why bother becoming a Christian?? So this song really challenged ME to start "practicing what I'm preaching". And the first time I heard Hellow, Good-bye and In My Arms Again I started crying. And I also love Never Been Unloved cause it reminds me that no matter what I do God'll ALWAYS love me. Well I could tell you stories about how each song has affected me but I guess I'll stop there. (have you figured out who my favorite singer is?? LOL)
Reviewed by V. Young (AZ), November 01, 2001
WOW!! I just love this CD. My favorite on this is Hello, Goodbye. My sister e-mailed me this song from a web site relating to September 11. Great song. www.bluemaxrc.com/tribute/2/index.htm.
Reviewed by Kate (Mass), October 06, 2001
This cd is really awesome there's not one song on here that I don't like! I love the songs Missing Person, Love me Good, Live the Life,(no I'm not going to name them all)I Believe in you know, Let me show you the way, and Know Your Name. Yeah, okay I love them all. There is not one song that Smittys written that I dislike. This cd is definitely one of his best and one of my favorites. Michael W. Smith is the best artist there is!!!!!! This cd is a must have to anyone who likes his music (and anyone who doesn't although they have got to be crazy not to like his music)Smittys the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reviewed by Chelsea (GA), July 17, 2001
Okay first of all I want to say that Michael W Smith is truly AMAZING and he's by a very very long shot my favorite artist!! I love this cd and I think it is very powerful. Missing Person is catchy, Love Me Good and Live The Life and Never Been Unloved have great lyrics, I love the music to Don't Give Up!, Let Me SHow You The Way is one of my favorite songs, I know Your Name and Matter Of Time have great lyrics, In My Arms Again and Hello, Goodbye are super songs and very powerful, and I love ALL of Michael's instrumentals but Song For Rich is one of his best!! This is a great cd and if you're thinking of buying it than STOP THINKING AND DO IT!!! This is a must-have cd! Michael, you've done a wonderful, amazing, super job and I can't wait for the next cd!!! This cd is a 10/5!!!...
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Michael W. Smith - I'll Lead You Home, Compact Disc [CD]
Reviewed by Ben T. Hughes (Norfolk, Va), July 13, 2005
My 3rd favorite album of ALL TIME! Just unbelievable how the songs get you moving so fast into praising God....My favorites are "Cry For Love", "BreakDown", and "Someday"-which is the coolest song I've ever heard! Never heard anything since that throws Christian message to such a driving theme (cept maybe "I'm Gonna Sing" by the GVB)....No Christian should be without!
Reviewed by Tina Sedlmayer (Australia), September 07, 2002
A great Cd as usual. Great songs
Reviewed by Arlene (New Bedford, Ma.), May 02, 2002
This was the first CD I had of Michaels and loved it the very first time I heard it. He is a great artist and a wonderful Christian and his music shows this. His newest album Worship is even better and for those who love Michael Smith I recommend it highly.
Reviewed by Bobby Bob (Standish ME), April 01, 2002
I like this CD!!!!, its a great CD and definitely one you should get!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Its one of the best CDs that Michael has. No one should be without this CD.
Reviewed by Kate (Mass), October 06, 2001
This is one of my favorite cds. I love the songs Staight to the Heart, I'll be Around, and I'll Lead You Home. I never don't feel like listening to this cd and it is definitely worth the buy! Smitty is the best artist by far- All of his music is awesome!!
Reviewed by Hannah (Hopkinton MA), September 22, 2001
Hey I can't believe no one has reviewed this. I mean....this CD won a Grammy! Wow so I'll Lead Yu Home is not my favorite MWS CD. But it is none-the-less awesome! In fact my favorite MWS song of all time (ok realize I am 14 but have all but 3 of their CD's. That means 11!) is on this. It is called I'll Be Around and if you get this album ONLY for that song it will be so worth it. But all in all this is a great one! If you don't have it - you should get it!....
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My 3rd favorite album of ALL TIME! Just unbelievable how the songs get you moving so fast into praising God....My favorites are "Cry For Love", "BreakDown", and "Someday"-which is the coolest song I've ever heard! Never heard anything since that throws Christian message to such a driving theme (cept maybe "I'm Gonna Sing" by the GVB)....No Christian should be without!
Reviewed by Tina Sedlmayer (Australia), September 07, 2002
A great Cd as usual. Great songs
Reviewed by Arlene (New Bedford, Ma.), May 02, 2002
This was the first CD I had of Michaels and loved it the very first time I heard it. He is a great artist and a wonderful Christian and his music shows this. His newest album Worship is even better and for those who love Michael Smith I recommend it highly.
Reviewed by Bobby Bob (Standish ME), April 01, 2002
I like this CD!!!!, its a great CD and definitely one you should get!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Its one of the best CDs that Michael has. No one should be without this CD.
Reviewed by Kate (Mass), October 06, 2001
This is one of my favorite cds. I love the songs Staight to the Heart, I'll be Around, and I'll Lead You Home. I never don't feel like listening to this cd and it is definitely worth the buy! Smitty is the best artist by far- All of his music is awesome!!
Reviewed by Hannah (Hopkinton MA), September 22, 2001
Hey I can't believe no one has reviewed this. I mean....this CD won a Grammy! Wow so I'll Lead Yu Home is not my favorite MWS CD. But it is none-the-less awesome! In fact my favorite MWS song of all time (ok realize I am 14 but have all but 3 of their CD's. That means 11!) is on this. It is called I'll Be Around and if you get this album ONLY for that song it will be so worth it. But all in all this is a great one! If you don't have it - you should get it!....
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Michael W. Smith - First Decade, Compact Disc [CD]
Reviewed by Matthew Rowell (Owosso, MI), September 21, 2007
This CD is very inspiration and has some good messages within the songs. Micheal W. Smith is a great inspiration to a lot of young people. I first heard him while in high school and still listen to him 17 years later.
Reviewed by Theresa Lazlo (Lewis Center, Ohio), June 19, 2005
I have loved that song Friends for many many years. I tell everyone this is my funeral song. My son will be calling you to sing this song at my funeral!!! God Bless you MWS
Reviewed by Jason (Painesville, OH), May 03, 2002
I absolutely love this CD, this by far is one of his best. My favorites are: Place in this world, Kentucky Rose, and Pray for Me. Smitty you Rule!!!! God Bless
Reviewed by Lydia (Gridley, IL), December 02, 2001
I LOVE MWS!!!!! I don't have this C.D. YET but I have some of the songs on other C.D.'s and I've heard some on the radio. Smitty is the BEST SINGER EVER!!
Reviewed by Kate (Mass), October 06, 2001
This one of my favorite cds, it got me hooked on Smitty's music. My favorite songs are Do you Dream of Me, I will Be Here for you, Place in this World,Go West young man,secret Ambition, And Friends. I think I might have become partially deaf from blaring Place in this world. Michael W Smith is the best artist by far, all his songs are awesome and his voice is really cool. Smitty rocks!!!!!!!!
Reviewed by Chelsea (GA), July 17, 2001
This cd is the coolest!! Not my favorite by Michael W Smith, but it's way up there!! My favorites on it are Do You Dream Of Me(it's such a sweet song!), Kentucky Rose(I love singing it!), I will Be Here for You(is has great lyrics not to mention beats!), Place In This World(it was always a hit, not only with me!), and Friends(I really like that one!). Great Job Michael!! You are over the top!!...
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This CD is very inspiration and has some good messages within the songs. Micheal W. Smith is a great inspiration to a lot of young people. I first heard him while in high school and still listen to him 17 years later.
Reviewed by Theresa Lazlo (Lewis Center, Ohio), June 19, 2005
I have loved that song Friends for many many years. I tell everyone this is my funeral song. My son will be calling you to sing this song at my funeral!!! God Bless you MWS
Reviewed by Jason (Painesville, OH), May 03, 2002
I absolutely love this CD, this by far is one of his best. My favorites are: Place in this world, Kentucky Rose, and Pray for Me. Smitty you Rule!!!! God Bless
Reviewed by Lydia (Gridley, IL), December 02, 2001
I LOVE MWS!!!!! I don't have this C.D. YET but I have some of the songs on other C.D.'s and I've heard some on the radio. Smitty is the BEST SINGER EVER!!
Reviewed by Kate (Mass), October 06, 2001
This one of my favorite cds, it got me hooked on Smitty's music. My favorite songs are Do you Dream of Me, I will Be Here for you, Place in this World,Go West young man,secret Ambition, And Friends. I think I might have become partially deaf from blaring Place in this world. Michael W Smith is the best artist by far, all his songs are awesome and his voice is really cool. Smitty rocks!!!!!!!!
Reviewed by Chelsea (GA), July 17, 2001
This cd is the coolest!! Not my favorite by Michael W Smith, but it's way up there!! My favorites on it are Do You Dream Of Me(it's such a sweet song!), Kentucky Rose(I love singing it!), I will Be Here for You(is has great lyrics not to mention beats!), Place In This World(it was always a hit, not only with me!), and Friends(I really like that one!). Great Job Michael!! You are over the top!!...
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Michael W. Smith - Change Your World, Compact Disc [CD]
Reviewed by Amy Barta (Plymouth, MI), July 07, 2008
Michael W. Smith has been my favorite Christian artist since childhood, and I really enjoy hearing songs he wrote back when I was a child and heard them for the first time. 'Picture Perfect' is the first song and has been my favorite for years!
Reviewed by Tony (United Kingdom), April 04, 2005
This is THE best Smitty album of all - head and shoulders above any other pop offering he has ever produced over the many years (including 2005). Pure energy, punchy grooves and heartfelt ballads. This CD changed my view of Smitty.. buy it!
Reviewed by Nathan (Nashville, TN), November 11, 2003
Probably rated as Smitty's best accomplished album, this record has a nice array of up-tempo dance rock tracks as well as masterful power ballads to compliment his knack for great pop music writing.
Reviewed by Tina Sedlmayer (Australia), January 08, 2003
This is an awesome cd. Great songs and great music. All of Michael W Smith cds are awesome and would recommend this cd to everyone.
Reviewed by Bobby Bob (Standish ME), April 01, 2002
This is a great CD. You should buy this CD!!!!!!!!. There is plenty of great songs on it, and when you buy it, I think you will enjoy it.
Reviewed by Lydia (Gridley, IL), December 12, 2001
OH YEA GO SMITTY!!! This is my fave of all his C.D.'s (well I haven't heard them ALL)!! My favorite song is Cross Of Gold but I Wanna Tell The World, Color Blind & Friends come in close behind!! I could name off every song on this C.D. as one of my all-time faves!! GO SMITTY YOU ROCK!!...
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Michael W. Smith has been my favorite Christian artist since childhood, and I really enjoy hearing songs he wrote back when I was a child and heard them for the first time. 'Picture Perfect' is the first song and has been my favorite for years!
Reviewed by Tony (United Kingdom), April 04, 2005
This is THE best Smitty album of all - head and shoulders above any other pop offering he has ever produced over the many years (including 2005). Pure energy, punchy grooves and heartfelt ballads. This CD changed my view of Smitty.. buy it!
Reviewed by Nathan (Nashville, TN), November 11, 2003
Probably rated as Smitty's best accomplished album, this record has a nice array of up-tempo dance rock tracks as well as masterful power ballads to compliment his knack for great pop music writing.
Reviewed by Tina Sedlmayer (Australia), January 08, 2003
This is an awesome cd. Great songs and great music. All of Michael W Smith cds are awesome and would recommend this cd to everyone.
Reviewed by Bobby Bob (Standish ME), April 01, 2002
This is a great CD. You should buy this CD!!!!!!!!. There is plenty of great songs on it, and when you buy it, I think you will enjoy it.
Reviewed by Lydia (Gridley, IL), December 12, 2001
OH YEA GO SMITTY!!! This is my fave of all his C.D.'s (well I haven't heard them ALL)!! My favorite song is Cross Of Gold but I Wanna Tell The World, Color Blind & Friends come in close behind!! I could name off every song on this C.D. as one of my all-time faves!! GO SMITTY YOU ROCK!!...
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Michael W. Smith - Christmas CD
Reviewed by Chris Smith (Gold Canyon, AZ), October 29, 2007
Listening to MWS's first Christmas album evokes childhood memories of decorating our church, sitting by the fire and many a Christmas opening gifts...simply put, this is the best album Michael W. has ever recorded and one of the best Christmas albums ever, period. From the instrumentals, to the choral arrangements, to the rousing "Gloria," this is one of those albums that completely changed how people viewed MWS as an artist. Michael demonstrates his considerable gifts in composing and arranging for with Christmas, and "All is Well" is a classic (even Michael himself says this his favorite of his songs). I would love to see a digitally remastered edition available, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
Reviewed by Tracy (Lombard, IL), October 22, 2007
This is the best Christmas CD I have ever heard...Michael does an amazing job unifying all the pieces together. It is actually one of the best crafted CDs I own...Christmas or not.
Reviewed by Ed Whittington (Smyrna,Ga), December 16, 2002
I don't care if every store sold this CD for $25.00 I would own it. I know that God came from the sky and came into Michael's soul when he wrote All is Well. I've played thousands of songs and listened to it 10 times that many, but All is Well is the absolutely the most beautiful song I own, and the arrangement is just outstanding. If you don't own this CD, you are missing a great worship experience....
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Listening to MWS's first Christmas album evokes childhood memories of decorating our church, sitting by the fire and many a Christmas opening gifts...simply put, this is the best album Michael W. has ever recorded and one of the best Christmas albums ever, period. From the instrumentals, to the choral arrangements, to the rousing "Gloria," this is one of those albums that completely changed how people viewed MWS as an artist. Michael demonstrates his considerable gifts in composing and arranging for with Christmas, and "All is Well" is a classic (even Michael himself says this his favorite of his songs). I would love to see a digitally remastered edition available, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
Reviewed by Tracy (Lombard, IL), October 22, 2007
This is the best Christmas CD I have ever heard...Michael does an amazing job unifying all the pieces together. It is actually one of the best crafted CDs I own...Christmas or not.
Reviewed by Ed Whittington (Smyrna,Ga), December 16, 2002
I don't care if every store sold this CD for $25.00 I would own it. I know that God came from the sky and came into Michael's soul when he wrote All is Well. I've played thousands of songs and listened to it 10 times that many, but All is Well is the absolutely the most beautiful song I own, and the arrangement is just outstanding. If you don't own this CD, you are missing a great worship experience....
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Michael W. Smith - Go West Young Man
From the first sound of galloping hooves until the synth ridden "to be continued" at the end, this album is a pop fans dream come true. This album is well produced (maybe a tad to well). The songs are all pop gems. It's such a refreshing album in many ways, Michael W. Smith is really starting to become comfortable as an artist here and isn't afraid to try new things (African children's choir on "Seed To Sow" is proof). The album has a flow to it that will keep you listening from start to finish. But - and there is a but - I could not give an honest review of this album if I were not to note some problems. If you're not a fan of pop music bordering on cheesy pop this might not be the record for you. Heavy on synthesizers and melody, this album is so sweet it should be bad for your teeth. However, in my case, all this only makes me enjoy this album more and more. Just try not to sing along to the quirky "For You." Truly a delight, it made me a Michael W. Smith fan!...
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Michael W. Smith - Michael W. Smith Christmas
Michael W. Smith has been on the Christian music scene for well over 20 years now, and way back in 1989 he recorded his first seasonal album, simply entitled Christmas. You may occasionally hear a song or two off this album if you listen to a Christian music station in your area, but sadly this stellar album is usually replaced by more recent holiday contributions.
Michael either wrote or arranged every song on the album and it doesn't disappoint as far as a grand MWS production is concerned. There are amazing vocal choir pieces, glorious instrumental songs, and old favorites arranged in new ways. Amy Grant and Smitty's wife Debbie even contribute to the songs written for this album. The most hauntingly beautiful selection may very well be "All is Well," which features soloist Nathan Wadley and the American Boyschoir School ("All is well, angels and men rejoice, for tonight darkness fell into the dawn of love's light"). The album ends with a beautiful instrumental rendition of "Silent Night." This is Michael W. Smith at his very finest - at the piano and glorifying our Lord Almighty....
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Michael either wrote or arranged every song on the album and it doesn't disappoint as far as a grand MWS production is concerned. There are amazing vocal choir pieces, glorious instrumental songs, and old favorites arranged in new ways. Amy Grant and Smitty's wife Debbie even contribute to the songs written for this album. The most hauntingly beautiful selection may very well be "All is Well," which features soloist Nathan Wadley and the American Boyschoir School ("All is well, angels and men rejoice, for tonight darkness fell into the dawn of love's light"). The album ends with a beautiful instrumental rendition of "Silent Night." This is Michael W. Smith at his very finest - at the piano and glorifying our Lord Almighty....
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Michael W. Smith - I 2 Eye
Michael W. Smith is like the Sting of the Contemporary Christian world. He's very talented, maintains his popularity with the youth, and has consistently sold many albums over the last three decades. In 1988, Michael had released four albums prior to this album, but this one was very unique since it provided a new sound that appealed more to the youth than previous projects.
The album begins with the very easy-going "Hand of Providence," complete with harmonicas. It talks about how we have divine intervention. The next song, "Secret Ambition" was well known at the time due to it's unforgettable video which displayed the life of Christ. "On the Other Side" is a great song that was probably one of the least played songs on the album, and it remains one of my favorite MWS songs. It's just a nice little song with an outstanding chorus.
"All You're Missing is Heartache" is pure late-80s pop, although it's still classic MWS material. It contains background vocals from Michael Sweet of Stryper, but his vocals aren't necessarily easily recognizable. "I Miss the Way" is one of Michael's most emotional songs ever written. It describes the way it feels to watch a friend or loved one slide away from their faith, reminiscing of days when they had a passion for Christ....
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The album begins with the very easy-going "Hand of Providence," complete with harmonicas. It talks about how we have divine intervention. The next song, "Secret Ambition" was well known at the time due to it's unforgettable video which displayed the life of Christ. "On the Other Side" is a great song that was probably one of the least played songs on the album, and it remains one of my favorite MWS songs. It's just a nice little song with an outstanding chorus.
"All You're Missing is Heartache" is pure late-80s pop, although it's still classic MWS material. It contains background vocals from Michael Sweet of Stryper, but his vocals aren't necessarily easily recognizable. "I Miss the Way" is one of Michael's most emotional songs ever written. It describes the way it feels to watch a friend or loved one slide away from their faith, reminiscing of days when they had a passion for Christ....
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Michael W. Smith - The Live Set
Michael W. Smith's first live album highlights selections from his previous album The Big Picture. It also features three songs (two on the LP) from his debut The Michael W. Smith Project and three new songs, but none from Michael W. Smith 2. The band included numerous Christian music stalwarts of the late 1980s, including Wayne Kirkpatrick, Chris Rodriguez, and Chris Harris. A video version of the concert was also available commercially....
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Michael W. Smith - The Big Picture
The Big Picture, Michael W. Smith's third full-length for Reunion, was a slightly different change of pace for the budding CCM star. Whereas Smith's previous two albums, Project and Michael W. Smith 2, were self-produced, mostly keyboard driven efforts, The Big Picture sounded conspicuously like a lot of contemporary pop albums of the time: big synths, loud guitars, and that overarching "'80s sound" that sounds so horribly dated today. The catalyst for this sonic metamorphosis was undoubtedly the introduction of well-known pop producer John Potoker. Having previously worked with '80s artists Brian Eno, Talking Heads, and Madonna, Potoker infused Smith's music with a "bigger" sound in an attempt to make it more appealing to pop music fans of the day. This change was foreseeable considering Smith's strong desire to reach mainstream fans with his music, although I still can't help but cringe every time I hear its over-the-top production techniques with 21st century ears.
That being said, Smith's songwriting must be commended, because he never allows his songs get buried beneath the excessive production. This is due to the fact that the songs on The Big Picture are melodically just as strong as ever and, in fact, features some of Smitty's best songs to date. A great example is the epic "Rocketown," a touching tale about the importance of being Christ's light in the midst of a dark world. Perhaps the most affecting song of Smith's career (apart from "Friends"), it eventually became the inspiration behind Smith's record label, as well as the Nashville hot spot of the same name...
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That being said, Smith's songwriting must be commended, because he never allows his songs get buried beneath the excessive production. This is due to the fact that the songs on The Big Picture are melodically just as strong as ever and, in fact, features some of Smitty's best songs to date. A great example is the epic "Rocketown," a touching tale about the importance of being Christ's light in the midst of a dark world. Perhaps the most affecting song of Smith's career (apart from "Friends"), it eventually became the inspiration behind Smith's record label, as well as the Nashville hot spot of the same name...
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Michael W. Smith - Michael W. Smith 2
Michael W. Smith followed up his classic debut Project with another equally impressive effort: his sophomore album, simply entitled Michael W. Smith 2. Following much the same blueprint as Project, MWS2 finds Smith offering another strong mix of upbeat pop songs, melodic anthems, and powerful ballads.
Instead of working primarily with his wife Deborah, Smith opts this time for a series of co-writers, including Gary Chapman, Mike Hudson, and frequent collaborator Amy Grant. The results are fairly consistent as the album starts off with two of Smith's most recognized songs from the '80s: "A Way" and "I Am Sure." The former is a mid-tempo, yet powerful song about the restless search for assurance that precedes faith, while the latter is an optimistic glance towards the impending return of Christ. Both songs are melodically brilliant and spiritually relevant, a combination that - more than twenty years later - still makes Smith's songs an enjoyable treat to listen to. The rest of the album, meanwhile, is equally impressive: "I'm Up" is a vibrantly joyful song in both its outlook and its sound, "Restless Heart" is an engaging duet with Amy Grant, while "Hosanna" remains one of the best and most enthusiastic worship songs of Smith's career.....
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Instead of working primarily with his wife Deborah, Smith opts this time for a series of co-writers, including Gary Chapman, Mike Hudson, and frequent collaborator Amy Grant. The results are fairly consistent as the album starts off with two of Smith's most recognized songs from the '80s: "A Way" and "I Am Sure." The former is a mid-tempo, yet powerful song about the restless search for assurance that precedes faith, while the latter is an optimistic glance towards the impending return of Christ. Both songs are melodically brilliant and spiritually relevant, a combination that - more than twenty years later - still makes Smith's songs an enjoyable treat to listen to. The rest of the album, meanwhile, is equally impressive: "I'm Up" is a vibrantly joyful song in both its outlook and its sound, "Restless Heart" is an engaging duet with Amy Grant, while "Hosanna" remains one of the best and most enthusiastic worship songs of Smith's career.....
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Michael W. Smith - Project
Michael W. Smith is an immensely talented young man who achieved success as a songwriter with "How Majestic Is Your Name" for Sandi Patti. He has co-written a number of songs, including many on Amy Grants and Kathy Troccoli's albums. Now Michael has an album of his own.
The Michael W. Smith Project heavily drenched with keyboards and synthesizers, shows Michael as a virtual whiz on those instruments. (He just finished touring with Amy Grant, playing keyboards in her band.)
Beginning with an instrumental reminiscent of Bach, Smiths "Sonata in D Major" shows his classical training. But if the first song shows where his fingers have been, the next ones show where his heart is going: "You Need a Saviour," uptempo and nearly new wave, "Could He Be the Messiah," and "Be Strong and Courageous" all cookers.
One side two Amy Grant sings along on "Friends." "Great Is the Lord" with its chorus could soon join "How Majestic" as one of all-time great praise songs from contemporary Christian music. Michael, heavy on music but light on words, is perfectly complemented by wife Debbie, who writes the lyrics for Michael's tunes.
Projectis a powerful debut album full of energy, excitement, and the keyboard/synthesizer sound heard all over pop radio. But more than that, this album is full of the promise of a great new talent. -- Don Cusic (c) 1983 CCM Communications, Inc....
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The Michael W. Smith Project heavily drenched with keyboards and synthesizers, shows Michael as a virtual whiz on those instruments. (He just finished touring with Amy Grant, playing keyboards in her band.)
Beginning with an instrumental reminiscent of Bach, Smiths "Sonata in D Major" shows his classical training. But if the first song shows where his fingers have been, the next ones show where his heart is going: "You Need a Saviour," uptempo and nearly new wave, "Could He Be the Messiah," and "Be Strong and Courageous" all cookers.
One side two Amy Grant sings along on "Friends." "Great Is the Lord" with its chorus could soon join "How Majestic" as one of all-time great praise songs from contemporary Christian music. Michael, heavy on music but light on words, is perfectly complemented by wife Debbie, who writes the lyrics for Michael's tunes.
Projectis a powerful debut album full of energy, excitement, and the keyboard/synthesizer sound heard all over pop radio. But more than that, this album is full of the promise of a great new talent. -- Don Cusic (c) 1983 CCM Communications, Inc....
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Awards
Grammy Awards
* 2004 Worship Again – Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album
* 1995 I’ll Lead You Home – Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album
* 1984 Michael W. Smith 2 – Best Gospel Performance, Male
Grammy Nominations
* 2006 Healing Rain – Best Christian Pop Album
* 2002 Worship – Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album
* 2000 This Is Your Time – Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album
* 1998 Live the Life – Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album
* 1990 Go West Young Man – Best Pop Gospel Album
* 1989 "Holy, Holy, Holy" – Best Gospel Vocal Performance, Male (Track from Our Hymns, Word Gospel)
* 1988 I 2(Eye) – Best Gospel Performance, Male
* 1986 The Big Picture – Best Gospel Performance, Male
* 1983 Michael W. Smith Project – Best Gospel Performance, Male
Dove Awards
* 2008 Christmas Album of the Year
* 2003 Artist of the Year
* 2003 Male Vocalist of the Year
* 2003 Album of the Year – Worship Again (producer, artist)
* 2003 Long Form Music Video of the Year – Worship DVD/Video (producer, artist)
* 2002 Artist of the Year
* 2002 Album of the Year – Worship (producer, artist)
* 2002 Instrumental Album of the Year – Freedom (producer, artist)
* 2002 Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year – "Above All" (artist)
* 2001 Youth/Children’s Musical Album of the Year – Friends 4 Ever (artist)
* 2001 Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year – This is Your Time (producer, artist)
* 2000 Song of the Year – "This is Your Time" (artist)
* 2000 Songwriter of the Year
* 2000 Short Form Music Video of the Year – "This is Your Time" (artist)
* 1999 Artist of the Year
* 1999 Producer of the Year
* 1999 Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year – Live the Life (producer, artist)
* 1999 Special Event Album of the Year – Exodus (artist)
* 1998 Special Event Album of the Year – God With Us – A Celebration of Christmas Carols and Classics (artist)
* 1998 Children’s Music Album of the Year – Sing Me to Sleep Daddy (artist)
* 1997 Special Event Album of the Year – Tribute: The Songs of Andre Crouch (artist)
* 1996 Songwriter of the Year
* 1996 Special Event Album of the Year – My Utmost For His Highest (artist)
* 1995 Musical Album of the Year – Living on the Edge (artist)
* 1994 Praise and Worship Album of the Year – Songs From the Loft (artist)
* 1992 Song of the Year – "Place in this World" (artist)
* 1992 Musical Album of the Year – The Big Picture (artist)
* 1992 Choral Collection of the Year – The Michael W. Smith Collection (artist)
* 1991 Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year – Go West Young Man (producer, artist)
* 1990 Short Form Music Video of the Year – "I Miss the Way" (artist)
* 1988 Long Form Music Video of the Year – "The Big Picture Tour Video" (artist)
* 1987 Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year – The Big Picture (producer, artist)
* 1985 Songwriter of the Year
Christian Music Links!
* 2004 Worship Again – Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album
* 1995 I’ll Lead You Home – Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album
* 1984 Michael W. Smith 2 – Best Gospel Performance, Male
Grammy Nominations
* 2006 Healing Rain – Best Christian Pop Album
* 2002 Worship – Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album
* 2000 This Is Your Time – Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album
* 1998 Live the Life – Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album
* 1990 Go West Young Man – Best Pop Gospel Album
* 1989 "Holy, Holy, Holy" – Best Gospel Vocal Performance, Male (Track from Our Hymns, Word Gospel)
* 1988 I 2(Eye) – Best Gospel Performance, Male
* 1986 The Big Picture – Best Gospel Performance, Male
* 1983 Michael W. Smith Project – Best Gospel Performance, Male
Dove Awards
* 2008 Christmas Album of the Year
* 2003 Artist of the Year
* 2003 Male Vocalist of the Year
* 2003 Album of the Year – Worship Again (producer, artist)
* 2003 Long Form Music Video of the Year – Worship DVD/Video (producer, artist)
* 2002 Artist of the Year
* 2002 Album of the Year – Worship (producer, artist)
* 2002 Instrumental Album of the Year – Freedom (producer, artist)
* 2002 Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year – "Above All" (artist)
* 2001 Youth/Children’s Musical Album of the Year – Friends 4 Ever (artist)
* 2001 Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year – This is Your Time (producer, artist)
* 2000 Song of the Year – "This is Your Time" (artist)
* 2000 Songwriter of the Year
* 2000 Short Form Music Video of the Year – "This is Your Time" (artist)
* 1999 Artist of the Year
* 1999 Producer of the Year
* 1999 Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year – Live the Life (producer, artist)
* 1999 Special Event Album of the Year – Exodus (artist)
* 1998 Special Event Album of the Year – God With Us – A Celebration of Christmas Carols and Classics (artist)
* 1998 Children’s Music Album of the Year – Sing Me to Sleep Daddy (artist)
* 1997 Special Event Album of the Year – Tribute: The Songs of Andre Crouch (artist)
* 1996 Songwriter of the Year
* 1996 Special Event Album of the Year – My Utmost For His Highest (artist)
* 1995 Musical Album of the Year – Living on the Edge (artist)
* 1994 Praise and Worship Album of the Year – Songs From the Loft (artist)
* 1992 Song of the Year – "Place in this World" (artist)
* 1992 Musical Album of the Year – The Big Picture (artist)
* 1992 Choral Collection of the Year – The Michael W. Smith Collection (artist)
* 1991 Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year – Go West Young Man (producer, artist)
* 1990 Short Form Music Video of the Year – "I Miss the Way" (artist)
* 1988 Long Form Music Video of the Year – "The Big Picture Tour Video" (artist)
* 1987 Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year – The Big Picture (producer, artist)
* 1985 Songwriter of the Year
Christian Music Links!
Discography
Studio albums
Live albums
Imports
Collaborative Albums
Singles/Specialty/EP's
Singles
Video (DVD/VHS)
* Live in Concert – A 20 Year Celebration (DVD) (2003)
* Worship (DVD) (2002)CRIA Gold in Canada
* Change Your World Live (VHS) (1993)
* The Big Picture Tour (VHS) (1987)
* Michael W. Smith In Concert (VHS) (1985)
Soundtrack (CD)
* The Second Chance (CD) (2006)
Motion picture (DVD)
* Joshua (DVD) (2002)
* [1] The Second Chance (DVD) (2006)
Christian Music Links!
| Title | Release Date | The Billboard 200 Chart Position | RIAA Certification | CRIA Certification Canada |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Michael W. Smith Project | 1983 | - | Gold | |
| Michael W. Smith 2 | 1984 | - | ||
| The Big Picture | Feb. 1, 1986 | - | ||
| i 2 (EYE) | 1988 | - | Gold | |
| Christmas | June 1989 | - | Gold | |
| Go West Young Man | 1990 | 74 | Platinum | |
| Change Your World | Jan. 1, 1992 | 86 | Platinum | |
| The Wonder Years (box set) | 1993 | - | ||
| The First Decade (1983-1993) | Oct. 12, 1993 | - | Gold | |
| I'll Lead You Home | Aug. 29, 1995 | 16 | Platinum | |
| Live the Life | Apr. 28, 1998 | 23 | Gold | |
| Christmastime | Oct. 13, 1998 | 90 | Gold | |
| This Is Your Time | Nov. 23, 1999 | 21 | Gold | |
| Freedom | Nov. 21, 2000 | 70 | Gold | |
| The Second Decade (1993-2003) | Oct. 7, 2003 | 38 | ||
| Healing Rain | Oct. 26, 2004 | 11 | Gold | |
| Stand | Nov 7. 2006 | 49 | ||
| It's a Wonderful Christmas | Oct 16, 2007 | 59 |
Live albums
| Title | Release Date | The Billboard 200 Chart Position | RIAA Certification | CRIA Certification Canada |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Live Set | Mar. 1, 1987 | - | ||
| Worship | Sep. 11, 2001 | 20 | Platinum | Gold |
| Worship Again | Oct. 22, 2002 | 14 | Gold | |
| A New Hallelujah | Oct 28, 2008 |
Imports
| Album | Release Year | The Billboard 200 Chart Position | RIAA Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live the Life (w/bonus tracks - Japanese Import) | 1998 | - | - |
| Freedom | 2000 | - | - |
Collaborative Albums
| Album | Release Year | The Billboard 200 Chart Position | RIAA Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Christmas | 1990 | - | - |
| Our Hymns | 1991 | - | - |
| My Utmost for His Highest | 1995 | - | - |
| My Utmost for His Highest: The Covenant | 1996 | - | - |
| Emmanuel | 1996 | - | - |
| Tribute: The Songs Of Andrae' Crouch | 1996 | - | - |
| The Jesus Record | 1997 | - | - |
| Awesome God: A Tribute to Rich Mullins | 1998 | - | - |
| Exodus | 1998 | - | - |
| The McCaughey Septuplets: Sweet Dreams | 2000 | - | - |
| Your Love Broke Through: The Worship Songs of Keith Green | 2002 | - | - |
| Roaring Lambs | 2005 | - | - |
| Ultimate Music Makeover: The Songs of Michael W. Smith | 2005 | - | - |
Singles/Specialty/EP's
| Album | Release Year | The Billboard 200 Chart Position | RIAA Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picture Perfect (Remix) | 1993 | - | - |
| Hugs & Kisses | 1993 | - | - |
| Live The Life (Remix EP) | 1997 | - | - |
| Love Me Good (Single) | 1998 | - | - |
| The Acoustic Set: A Live Recording | 2000 | - | - |
| Devotions | 2001 | - | - |
Singles
| Year | Title | Chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard Adult Contemporary | Billboard Hot 100 | ||
| 1991 | "Place In This World" | 5 | 6 |
| 1991 | "For You" | 20 | 60 |
| 1992 | "I Will Be Here For You" | 1 | 27 |
| 1993 | "Somebody Love Me" | 10 | 71 |
| 1998 | "Love Me Good" | - | 61 |
| 1999 | "This Is Your Time" | 25 | - |
| 2005 | "Bridge Over Troubled Water" | 28 | - |
Video (DVD/VHS)
* Live in Concert – A 20 Year Celebration (DVD) (2003)
* Worship (DVD) (2002)CRIA Gold in Canada
* Change Your World Live (VHS) (1993)
* The Big Picture Tour (VHS) (1987)
* Michael W. Smith In Concert (VHS) (1985)
Soundtrack (CD)
* The Second Chance (CD) (2006)
Motion picture (DVD)
* Joshua (DVD) (2002)
* [1] The Second Chance (DVD) (2006)
Christian Music Links!
Personal life
Smith is married to Deborah "Debbie" K. Davis Smith and has five children: Ryan Whitaker, Whitney Katherine Smith-Mooring (married to Jack Mooring of the band Leeland), Tyler Michael, Anna Elizabeth and Emily Allison. He resides in the Nashville suburbs and spends time at the Smith family farm.
Smith is an alumnus of Alderson-Broaddus College, having been awarded the degree Doctor of Music honoris causa in 1992.
Smith is the founding and visionary pastor of New River Fellowship in Franklin, TN. He was the lead pastor from 2006 and 2008, but decided God was leading him in a different direction and passed the torch on. Smith and his wife remain involved members of the church.
Smith is an outspoken supporter of the Republican Party, and is personal friends with several prominent Republicans, including President George W. Bush.[7][8] He officially endorsed Republican Sam Brownback's unsuccessful presidential campaign.
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Smith is an alumnus of Alderson-Broaddus College, having been awarded the degree Doctor of Music honoris causa in 1992.
Smith is the founding and visionary pastor of New River Fellowship in Franklin, TN. He was the lead pastor from 2006 and 2008, but decided God was leading him in a different direction and passed the torch on. Smith and his wife remain involved members of the church.
Smith is an outspoken supporter of the Republican Party, and is personal friends with several prominent Republicans, including President George W. Bush.[7][8] He officially endorsed Republican Sam Brownback's unsuccessful presidential campaign.
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Other ventures
In 1994, Smith opened a teen club, named Rocketown, in Franklin, Tennessee. Later in early 2003, the club was moved to a new location—a renovated warehouse in downtown Nashville. The venue offers a large dance floor, extensive indoor skate park, and a cafe hosting live acoustic music. Rocketown is located on 401 6th Ave. S. Quoting an Christian Activities article, Rocketown's mission is to create culturally relevant environments that foster vital relationships between disenfranchised adolescents and Christian mentors in order to meet their physical, social, and spiritual needs.
Smith is actively involved in volunteer service and is vice chair of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, which is chaired by Jean Case of the Case Foundation. He is also an avid spokesperson for sponsoring children through Compassion International.[6]
Smith finished work on a film directed by Steve Taylor entitled The Second Chance which was released on February 17, 2006 in selected theatres. In the movie, he stars as a pastor assigned to work in the inner city. The film also stars Jeff Obafemi Carr, and features a soundtrack now available from Reunion Records. The DVD of the movie was released on July 18, 2006.
In July 2007 Smith performed live for a San Diego concert as a part of Sean Hannity's "Freedom Concert" tour.
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Smith is actively involved in volunteer service and is vice chair of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, which is chaired by Jean Case of the Case Foundation. He is also an avid spokesperson for sponsoring children through Compassion International.[6]
Smith finished work on a film directed by Steve Taylor entitled The Second Chance which was released on February 17, 2006 in selected theatres. In the movie, he stars as a pastor assigned to work in the inner city. The film also stars Jeff Obafemi Carr, and features a soundtrack now available from Reunion Records. The DVD of the movie was released on July 18, 2006.
In July 2007 Smith performed live for a San Diego concert as a part of Sean Hannity's "Freedom Concert" tour.
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In the mainstream
In 1990, Smith released Go West Young Man, which was his first mainstream effort, including the mainstream crossover hit "Place in This World," which peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. That album was followed by 1992s Change Your World (which included the #1 adult contemporary hit "I Will Be Here For You"), 1995's I'll Lead You Home, and 1998's Live the Life. Also in 1998, Smith released his second Christmas effort, Christmastime. In 1999, Smith released This Is Your Time (which is about Cassie Bernall, one of the students who was killed during the Columbine massacre. She was killed when one of the shooters reportedly asked her if she believed in God, and she said yes—although some reports of the killings indicate that a different girl who was shot but survived was asked that question. In the music video for this song, the beginning shows a real video of Cassie talking about her religious beliefs and how she wanted to spread the word of God.), written by Smith and Wes King, the brother-in-law of Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris, which was inspired by the Columbine shootings. Smith had been asked to perform at some of the memorial services that were held in honor of the victims, which made a huge impression on him.
In 1996, Smith opened his own record label (although he does not record on it), Rocketown Records, named for a song on The Big Picture. He states the label is driven by the artists, and the first artist signed was Chris Rice, who had written "Go Light Your World", a #1 hit song by Kathy Troccoli, in 1995.
Nearly all of Smith's albums contain at least one instrumental track, and in 2000, Smith recorded his first all instrumental album, Freedom, after many years of wanting to create an instrumental album. The following year, Smith released an all praise and worship album, called Worship on September 11. This album was followed by a sequel, Worship Again in 2002. Both albums were recorded live in concert. (Both are also the only two albums to be comprised almost entirely of songs he did not write himself). A Worship DVD, which comprised a selection of songs from both albums, was recorded live in Edmonton, Alberta at YC Alberta and released in 2002. It immediately topped the Billboard video charts and became a Gold seller in both the U.S. and Canada.
After two decades, Smith finally won the Male Vocalist of the Year award at the GMA Music Awards in 2003.
Smith wrote a song entitled "There She Stands", prompted by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He performed this song live for the 2004 Republican National Convention. In introducing the song before he performed it, he made remarks about meeting personally with President George W. Bush (who has a personal nickname for him, "W") in the Oval Office in October of 2001, a short time after the attacks. Smith mentioned that the President, a personal fan (as is the President's father), and family friend of the artist, had asked him to attempt to write a song about the attacks. The song is about America's ability to rise from the ashes and remain strong even after such horrific events.
Smith became a good friend of U2 frontman Bono. The two have joined forces on a number of occasions for performances and in connection to Bono's DATA Organization. While U2 was recording its album How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, Bono even invited Smith to jam with them in the studio. The song that the group worked on with Smith, entitled "North Star," did not end up making it onto the record, but might surface in the future on another project.[4]
Smith's album, Healing Rain, was released in 2004 and debuted at #11 on the Billboard Hot 200 Chart. The title track rose to #1 on the Radio & Records Charts and a music video for the song was released. The album nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album, combines the pop style of his previous recordings with the praise and worship feel of his two releases in that genre. A new album, Stand, was released in November, 2006.
Smith and his wife have written the theme songs for Kanakuk Kamps for the past two decades. The theme songs have birthed such notable hits as "Love Crusade", "Live the Life", and "Straight to the Heart". The Christian youth at this camp give Smith access to a steady, young audience even as his original fans age.
At a concert in Wabash, Indiana on April 29, 2007, Smith announced that he was soon headed to London to begin recording his third Christmas album. It was reported on Christian Today that the new album would be a collection of all-original Christmas songs. [1] The album titled 'It’s A Wonderful Christmas' was released on October 16, 2007.
On June 20, 2008, Smith recorded his third live worship album at the Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, to be titled A New Hallelujah.[5]
On October 9, 2008, in Columbus, Ohio, he will unite with his fellow Christian musician friend, Steven Curtis Chapman, beginning a multi-city concert series called The United Tour.
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In 1996, Smith opened his own record label (although he does not record on it), Rocketown Records, named for a song on The Big Picture. He states the label is driven by the artists, and the first artist signed was Chris Rice, who had written "Go Light Your World", a #1 hit song by Kathy Troccoli, in 1995.
Nearly all of Smith's albums contain at least one instrumental track, and in 2000, Smith recorded his first all instrumental album, Freedom, after many years of wanting to create an instrumental album. The following year, Smith released an all praise and worship album, called Worship on September 11. This album was followed by a sequel, Worship Again in 2002. Both albums were recorded live in concert. (Both are also the only two albums to be comprised almost entirely of songs he did not write himself). A Worship DVD, which comprised a selection of songs from both albums, was recorded live in Edmonton, Alberta at YC Alberta and released in 2002. It immediately topped the Billboard video charts and became a Gold seller in both the U.S. and Canada.
After two decades, Smith finally won the Male Vocalist of the Year award at the GMA Music Awards in 2003.
Smith wrote a song entitled "There She Stands", prompted by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He performed this song live for the 2004 Republican National Convention. In introducing the song before he performed it, he made remarks about meeting personally with President George W. Bush (who has a personal nickname for him, "W") in the Oval Office in October of 2001, a short time after the attacks. Smith mentioned that the President, a personal fan (as is the President's father), and family friend of the artist, had asked him to attempt to write a song about the attacks. The song is about America's ability to rise from the ashes and remain strong even after such horrific events.
Smith became a good friend of U2 frontman Bono. The two have joined forces on a number of occasions for performances and in connection to Bono's DATA Organization. While U2 was recording its album How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, Bono even invited Smith to jam with them in the studio. The song that the group worked on with Smith, entitled "North Star," did not end up making it onto the record, but might surface in the future on another project.[4]
Smith's album, Healing Rain, was released in 2004 and debuted at #11 on the Billboard Hot 200 Chart. The title track rose to #1 on the Radio & Records Charts and a music video for the song was released. The album nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album, combines the pop style of his previous recordings with the praise and worship feel of his two releases in that genre. A new album, Stand, was released in November, 2006.
Smith and his wife have written the theme songs for Kanakuk Kamps for the past two decades. The theme songs have birthed such notable hits as "Love Crusade", "Live the Life", and "Straight to the Heart". The Christian youth at this camp give Smith access to a steady, young audience even as his original fans age.
At a concert in Wabash, Indiana on April 29, 2007, Smith announced that he was soon headed to London to begin recording his third Christmas album. It was reported on Christian Today that the new album would be a collection of all-original Christmas songs. [1] The album titled 'It’s A Wonderful Christmas' was released on October 16, 2007.
On June 20, 2008, Smith recorded his third live worship album at the Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, to be titled A New Hallelujah.[5]
On October 9, 2008, in Columbus, Ohio, he will unite with his fellow Christian musician friend, Steven Curtis Chapman, beginning a multi-city concert series called The United Tour.
Christian Music Links!
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