The Ultimate Makeover: The Songs of Michael W. Smith is an album that features many of today's modern artists offering their version of classic MWS hits. I am not a big fan of tribute albums. I might get a track or two that I like, but I am a firm believer in the fact that the original music is always better. That is the way it is supposed to be, right? If it ain't broken, why try to fix it? And my first listens did nothing to change my opinion.
However, Ultimate Makeover has proven to be a very sneaky album. Once I let my preconceived notions drop and let the makeover take place, I find myself going back to many of these tracks for my own listening enjoyment. This tribute isn't so bad.
A reunion of All Star United can only be a good thing, Ian Eskelin is a much overlooked talent. "Go West Young Man" is pop rock fun with a ton of finesse and energy draws you headlong into this project. Sarah Kelly offers up a cranking take on "You Need A Savior" next. Shaun Groves' cover of "Rocketown" is a standout track here. Double timing it from the get-go, Groves brings this one into the 21st century big time while remaining faithful to the original. Much the same can be said of David Crowder's "Secret Ambition." Stryper approaches the sacred territory of "Friends" and comes away a real winner.
MWS must be the proud papa upon hearing son Ryan's version of "The Race Is On." It is one of my favorites. Subtle, steady 4/4 rock with a touch of country, there is a uniqueness to Ryan's voice that brings me back time after time. Tracks by Plumb, Taylor Sorensen, Tree63, and Todd Agnew round out the slate here.
If there is anyone who deserves this tribute, it is Michael W. Smith. From Amy Grant's opening act to Top 40 hits to becoming a groundbreaker of modern worship, he is one of the Christian community leaders.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Brian A. SmithA question for the discerning music fan: If a label releases a tribute record to its own founder, and one of the songs is performed by that label founder's own son, is the project just a touch self-serving? Following the lead of the recent Charlie Peacock project, Rocketown has put together a tribute/re-interpretation album of Michael W. Smith's songs. Smith has always been a mixed bag to me,…The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Burton WrayUltimate Music Makeover is a unique creation in that other artists are invited to redo their favorite songs from Michael W. Smith and put whatever spin they want on the songs. Many tribute albums would focus on the best songs from an artist but not this project. This results in some interesting songs appearing on this album, such as "Lamu." Ultimate Music Makeover starts off strong with great…
