Michael W. Smith

Item: Worship Again
Author: Brian A. Smith

Worship Again

(2002)

Reviewed by Brian A. Smith

Discogs Apple Music TIDAL Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Music

Label Reunion RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2002

adult contemporary ccm worship

The trendiness of the CCM world continues. The reigning flavors of the month are remix albums and worship albums. Thankfully, Michael W. Smith has not given in to the remix urge (at this writing). However, he has now released two worship CDs. His first one, entitled Worship, was an immediate success. And, as those who follow the music business know, when something does well, it must then be copied, and albums that are similar soon follow. This explains the plethora of O Brother Where Art Thou? ripoffs in the last year, and it also provides a rationale for the new MWS album, Worship Again.

Recorded live at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY (except for the last three tracks), Worship Again is Smith on vocals and piano, accompanied by some wonderful musicians. Smith's voice is consistent from album to album, very distinctive -- when singing at a normal volume within a low range, he is fine. When straining to reach a higher note, or sing at a louder volume, it takes on a reedy quality much like distortion from the speakers on an old radio tuner. This is never more apparent than on the Rich Mullins tunes he covers here -- "Step By Step" and "I See You." Mullins' music should never be forgotten, but I am starting to wonder if anyone other than Mitch McVicker should perform it in concert.

Chris Tomlin's "The Wonderful Cross" is a highlight, and "Here I Am to Worship" by Tim Hughes is faithful to the original. Ironically, Smith's original tunes seem to be the weakest to me. "Forever We Will Sing" and "I Can Hear Your Voice" are repetitive, and fail to draw the listener in.

Worship albums often fall short for one reason: The experience of worshipping God is an amazing, moving activity that elevates the spirits of its participants -- that same feeling is difficult to convey on a CD. This is not Smith's fault -- it just is what it is. Worship Again has that same tendency. If you disagree with that, or are a devoted MWS fan, pick this up.

2.5 tocks