Search - Michael W Smith :: Stand

Smith's 19th Album Still "Stands" for the Best

T. Yap | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 12/06/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Prime Cuts: Esacpe Your Love, How to Say Goodbye, Be Lifted High



18 albums later, Michael W. Smith still stands for the best that contemporary Christian music can bring. Whilst many a lesser artist would think that some clanging drums and ear-destroying guitars over a half-baked tunes may suffice as music, Smith continues to pilaster his music in sturdy melodic flair evincing a personal and heartfelt streak. After two albums of worship songs and the average "Healing Rain," "Stand" is the first of Smith's original material album that satisfies. However, his plunge into the traditional worship foray still bears a foreboding presence here as many of these new cuts could pass muster. Nevertheless, this new effort finds the import of his protégé Leeland Mooring as well as old pal Amy Grant and famed producer Matt Bronleewe as his writing cohorts. Though the songs are by no means out of character with Smith's polished pop trait, they are by far some of Smith's most thoughtful works that have an acuminous way of ministering to the lonely, lost and downtrodden bringing them to the redeeming arms of Jesus.



As the piano has always been Smith's choice métier of composition, the tinkling of some ivory magic is evident on the Smith/Amy Grant composition "How to Say Goodbye." Though clocking in at a mere 2:18 minutes, it is a heart rending piano ballad about a parents saying goodbye to a child. While "Be Lifted High" is an above par worship ballad bolstered by some expressive heartfelt prayerful lyrics. This is indeed a classic in the making. Reaching back to the late Keith Green's catalog "Oh Lord, You're Beautiful" is something that would not be out of step with what Smith had been doing with his previous couple of worship CDs. Although "Grace" continues the worship theme, but Smith sounds raspy and out of breath on critical moments somehow marring the performance a tad.



Though this is a ballad heavy album, there is not a dearth of more propulsive endeavors. "Cover Me," finds a gritty Smith rocking with a reckless abandon in the assurance of God's sovereignty. Like "How to Say Goodbye" and "Oh Lord You're Beautiful," the title cut, a Hillsong cover, is a less than a three minute interlude that leaves more to be desired. Much more substantial is the contagious melodic "Escape Your Love" complete with a harmonica harmony that brings to mind Stevie Wonder's blithe "You're the Sunshine of My Life." Noteworthy also is "In Silence," a rollicking pop-rocker that challenges the church not be passive in the face of wants and needs.



After 18 albums many artists feel the need to keep re-defining themselves. However, at the end of the day, it still comes down to the songs. Without songs that have a way of itching into people's conscience and heart for a long time, no amount of re-invention will last. To this end, Smith knows it best. Overall, "Stand" is an album that will withstand the test of time and it also solidifies our hope in Smith to deliver the best in contemporary Christian music."

Give it a few listens and you are hooked, and uplifted

Tannay Dave | Switzerland | 11/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to tell you: my first listen to this CD disappointed me a little. The opening track "Cover Me" pulled me right in, but the overall album was slower in pace than I was hoping for. But after a couple of listens, I was sold. Now its a regualr fixture on my CD. So don't dismiss the CD if your first listen disappoints. Give it time. There are many excellent tracks. At the moment I have to say that his cover of "Lord, You're Beautiful" is blowing me away. The title trakc is also outstanding.

"

STELLAR- SOULFUL- BEST YET!!

Melisse C. Mossy | Rancho Santa Fe, California | 11/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have not really been a Michael W. Smith fan for all that long- long enough to add 10 of his cds to my collection though, and I definitely feel that this (besides the worship cds) is his all time BEST ever work! I FEEL the message behind the lyrics, and it speaks to my soul- Buy it- you'll love it, and listen to it over and over and over. I purchased one and then have bought 4 more to give as random gifts. I'm planning on sending more to all my loved ones for Christmas- it truly is a gift that will keep on giving!

Congratulations on your purchase- ENJOY!"