Michael W. Smith Albums (21)
What The Critics Say
Church-geared worship music is a no-brainer for Michael W. Smith. The style comes so easily to him: A New Hallelujah, his third live praise collection, feels as if it could have been conjured up in his sleep. Not one to do things on a small scale, Smith and a conglomerate of musicians, singers, and stagehands took to one of America's biggest megachurches, Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston, to bring to fruition this lively crop of praise choruses, an assemblage of covers and Smith originals that, in one way or another, attempt to replicate the tone and tenor of his mega-sellers Worship and Worship Again. It's been a long six years since those two albums, so it stands to reason that A New Hallelujah doesn't quite reach similar plateaus, even though it bears all the hallmarks of a Smith concert -- singable melodies, serviceable pop/rock arrangements, and even a little grandstanding. To remain relevant in the worship arena -- he did, after all, go back to the Christian pop realm after the Worship craze subsided, to mixed results -- Smith handpicked a number of praise staples from the likes of Hillsong, Chris Tomlin, and Delirious?, and even called on church-focused composers Paul Baloche, Israel Houghton, and Martin Smith for co-write assists. In the end, though, the particulars about A New Hallelujah seem to matter little to the tens of thousands in attendance -- the fact that they are being led in corporate singing by the CCM star is reason enough for them to respond heartily. When the music fades, though, A New Hallelujah is no more than another notch in Smith's live catalog -- far from essential to the praise & worship canon, but an otherwise likable entry from one of Christian music's original modern psalmists. ~ Andree Farias, All Music Guide
'It's a Wonderful Christmas'
Release Date 10/16/2007
Tracks 11
Label Reunion
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Smitty's third holiday album was epic in scope, with four choirs and a 65-piece orchestra offering plenty of Christmas grandeur. Close to half of the album is instrumental, which drew comparisons to 2000s Freedom. The vocal numbers like "The Promise" and "Christmas Morning" draw Smith's trademark personal touch. The album falls somewhere between 1989's Christmas and 1998's Christmastime, utilizing the full sound of the backing groups to its greatest extent. In its best moments, the album exudes the same mastery of the adult contemporary sound as Jim Brickman's The Gift. Give credit to this contemporary Christian vet for adding so richly to the Christmas songbook at a point in his career that so few reach and at which even fewer make meaningful contributions to their respective genres. ~ Jared Johnson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Following successes in rock, dance, instrumental and more traditional worship, Michael W. Smith sees no need for further reinvention with his 2006 album Stand. It is an unapologetic commentary that suggests Smith may never run out of polished, heartfelt gems. Stand is another well-produced, balanced collection that neither wins nor loses him any fans. The album title leaves room for multiple interpretations, most likely referring to his unwavering faith but possibly also conferring his desire to stand up for the music that suits him best. Over the years, that has proven to be piano-driven ballads that resonate with the struggling, the suffering and the lost. In that sense the album treads familiar territory, yet "safe" is an inaccurate descriptor since it would connote a lack of ambition. To the contrary, Smith sets grand expectations from the opening rim shots of "Cover Me." The album reaches a tipping point following the rousing "Come to the Cross," closing out with a half-dozen of his trademark ballads. Standout tracks include "How to Say Goodbye," "In Silence" and the contagiously melodic "Escape Your Love." Youth's voices lend a slow build to album closer "Come See" though it's not quite the cathartic equivalent of "All I Want," the last track on 2004's Healing Rain. Regardless, Smith can seemingly do no wrong. Stand continues to endear him to his contemporary Christian and crossover listeners. ~ Jared Johnson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Michael W. Smith's career has spanned three decades, with over seven-million-records sold and 25 number one singles, Smith has consistently been one of Christian music's most solid performers. On his latest release Healing Rain, Smith uplifts his beliefs to produce a disc worthy of praise. On the cuts like the title track and "Here I Am" Smith seems at ease with his direction and his performance. On tunes like "Fly to the Moon" Smith varies from a piano driven melody and opts for guitars to lead the way while the cut "We Can't Wait Any Longer" offers up looping drums and synths to deliver a poignant message. An enjoyable detour exists in the form of "Bridge Over Troubled Water." While many would consider a Simon & Garfunkel cover to be untouchable, Smith covers the tune with realism and passion. The cut is not only musically excellent but vocally the song is delivered with conviction. Healing Rain is a statement for Michael W. Smith. It's a testimony to an artist comfortable within a genre that he's owned for 20 years. ~ Steven Douglas Losey, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Certain artists were born to perform praise & worship; Michael W. Smith is one of those. Offering his second consecutive worship disc in a row, Smith has assembled a collection of songs that take the listener on a spiritual journey. Veering away from some of the more traditional praise & worship songs, Smith shines on cuts like "Lord Have Mercy" and "I Can Hear Your Voice" while the more well-known numbers like "Step by Step" and "You Are Holy" are emotionally delivered as well. While Worship Again doesn't necessarily break any new ground, it is tenderly delivered and utilizes the talents of Smith well. ~ Steven Douglas Losey, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
On June 1, 2001, a crowd of 9,000 gathered at the Carpenter's Home Church in Lakeland, FL. Drawn by the desire to experience a live worship service lead by singer, songwriter, and Grammy Award winner Michael W. Smith, little did the participants know the grandeur of the night's event. For it was not the presence of Smith, or even choir members such as Amy Grant and Chris Rice, who served as the evening's focus, but the presence of God. Captured on audio, the service comprises Smith's 15th album, Worship, the first of which is purely praise and worship related. The September 2001 Reunion Records release features 11 songs recorded live during the event, joined by two studio bonus tracks. Musically, the project is consistent with Smith's well-loved style. It is upbeat, pop-oriented and includes his trademark piano talents. Opening with the reading of Psalm 57:7, 9-11 by Smith's daughters Emily and Anna, the album features popular worship songs including "The Heart of Worship" and "Draw Me Close." Perhaps the most powerful and moving portion of the project is the sequence of songs beginning with "Above All," a song he performed at the 54th Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service, followed by Marie Barnett's "Breathe" and the intense cry of "Let It Rain." Definitely Smith's best album as of 2001, Worship sets itself apart from the onslaught of praise and worship projects released within the CCM market between the years of 1998 and 2001. It is truly an expression of deep desire and hunger for a greater outpouring of God's presence and power. ~ Ashleigh Kittle, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Michael W. Smith is finally getting a chance to "get real." After 25 number one songs, numerous Dove Awards, and seven million in record sales Smith's favorite music is now being heard. With his 14th recording, Michael W. Smith has released his first instrumental disc entitled Freedom. Kicking off the release is the title track. Depicting the themes of war, the cut is momentous with marching drums and the undeniable feeling of triumph stamped throughout the tune. "Carol Ann" is a painful and personal song for Smith. The number was written after the loss of a close family friend and possesses the fragile nuances that endure piano melodies to the heart. The same could be said for the tune "The Giving," where the piano and strings flow vividly throughout. Aided by the Irish Film Orchestra "Hibernia" is a taste of Dublin. Lively fiddles and flutes punctuate the tune's Irish flare. "Freedom Battle" builds to a climatic roar. The song offers vivid interpretations of a battlefield with an exciting interplay of varied instrumentation. "The Call" is the most contemporary tune on the release. A funky bass and driving drums accentuate the piano peppered throughout. Closing the disc with splendor is the song "Free Man." The interplay of smooth lead guitar and sweeping synths is spectacular. Freedom is a release comprised of the dreams and aspirations of Michael W. Smith. The disc secures his place as a multi-talented artist and adds the label of instrumentalists to an impressive resumé. ~ Steven Losey, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Michael W. Smith's 13th studio album This Is Your Time features more of the accessible, contemporary Christian rock that has won him a large and increasingly secular audience. Songs like "Hey You It's Me," "I Will Carry You," and "I Will Be Your Friend" blend guitar and synth flourishes with Smith's charismatic vocals, while hook-laden tracks like "Worth It All" and "Everybody Free" demonstrate why his audience continues to expand into the mainstream pop arena. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Ten years after he delivered the lovely Christmas, Michael W. Smith offered another holiday record with Christmastime. It's a surprisingly varied record, ranging from newer songs performed with adult contemporary arrangements, and an instrumental duet with Phil Keaggy on "O Christmas Tree" to traditional medleys supported by the American Boy Choir and a full orchestra, plus his daughter Anna singing "Away in a Manger." The album benefits from the diversity, since holiday records often sound a bit too homogenous. Smith's, however, is teeming with life and love -- a perfect soundtrack for a joyous Christmastime. ~ Rodney Batdorf, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Michael W. Smith claims that he wrote most of Live the Life, his follow-up to the astonishingly successful I'll Lead You Home, on a guitar, and that may account for the dircetness of the songs and the performance. Smith's music isn't raw by any means, yet there is a certain sweeping quality to the songs on Live the Life that distinguishes it from his other albums. That isn't to say that it rocks -- it just has a big, all-encompassing sound, which sounds even larger under the layers of production gloss. It gives the album crossover potential, to be sure, but the lyrical themes are undeniably Christian and none of the songs have a hook strong enough for a crossover hit. Nevertheless, Live the Life is an inventive CCM release that should satisfy fans as it expands his audience. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
