Michael W. Smith's newest CD, a praise and worship album, appropriately titled Worship, was recorded live at his home church, Carpenter's Home Church, located in Lakeland, Florida. Worship brings the Holy Spirit's presence straight to the speakers of your CD player.
Worship starts out with the popular song, "Forever," which is a common choice for worship teams in churches throughout the globe. The worship experience continues to the second song, "The Heart of Worship." Michael's tenor is beautiful, and he creates a wonderful atmosphere of worship.
The third song, "Draw Me Close," is one of Smitty's favorites, as he explains before the start of the song. Some of the other highlights of the album are a newly arranged version of "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus," the beautiful, humbling song, "Agnus Dei," and the newer worship song of the bunch, "Above All." Each song was recorded live and includes a choir with background vocals that really add impact to the songs. Many household names of the Christian music world make up this magnificent choir, including Ginny Owens, Chris Rice, Greg Long, Mark Schultz, Amy Grant, Phillips, Craig, and Dean, Out of Eden, Cindy Morgan, and Plus One.
Worship includes two bonus tracks as well that were recorded in the studio. The first of the two is a very heart felt song written by Michael W. Smith himself, called "Purified." The soothing poem explores the greatness of God's forgiveness. The second bonus track is also the album's first radio single, "Above All."
It's clear that Worship is truly focused on the goal of the project: giving glory to the Father. Worship is great for preparing for worship before church begins, turning your focus towards God after a tough and stressing day, or just for listening to the name of the Lord being proclaimed on any given day.
I realize that worship albums are not for everyone. However, if you enjoy this type of music, Worship is the best of this genre I've heard because of the excellent sound of Michael W. Smith's voice, the song selection, and the BGV's of the choir.
Mark's Score: 4/5
Other coverage for this album
ReAL Magazine 2001Reviewed by Marc A.Michael W. Smith once wrote that he does not consider himself to be a Christian artist. He just writes about what is on his heart, and it reflects his relationship with God. From the sounds of Smith's latest release, Worship, the relationship is going pretty well. Just imagine Michael W. Smith leading your church service. This is what you get on Worship. Smith provides a good mix of old and new…Similar sounding releases
2000Vineyard WorshipDoing the Stuff: Live From London
2002Steve CampDesiring God
1998Eden's BridgeCeltic Psalms
1991Michael CardThe Promise
1995First CallBeyond December
2002Steve GreenWoven In TimeMore from Michael W. Smith
2003The Second Decade 1993-2003
2002Worship Again
1998Christmastime
1992Change Your World
1995I'll Lead You Home
2000Freedom
