Customer Reviews

The First Decade, 1983-1993

5 star:		(42)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This CD is a sentimental favorite of mine, because Michael W. Smith is the reason I started listening to Christian music. His timeless song, "Friends," was played at my high school graduation and has been one of my two favorite songs ever since (the other is "Worlds Apart" by Jars of Clay). "Friends" was also the reason I bought this album, the first Christian album I ever owned; and it was close to a week before I got around to listening to it because there are so many great songs on this album (good move putting it towards the end, guys). I hear people say all the time that Michael is a feel-good Christian singer, and that there isn't much depth in his lyrics. Sure, Michael does sing a lot of feel-good songs; it's impossible not to in the Christian music business. But those people have obviously never heard the songs "Pray For Me," "Give It Away," or "Place In This World," among others. These songs talk about the struggles and misconceptions that today's Christians have to deal with on a daily basis. And "Secret Ambition" tells of Jesus's unwaivering mission to redeem us through His self-sacrifice. These are hardly feel-good topics. I fell in love with Smith's music for the very reason that his songs made me think. And I continue to listen to this album because Michael W. Smith speaks from the heart. Obviously "Friends" is my favorite song on this track, but I memorized EVERY song. That alone should tell you something. Buy this album because you want to draw closer to God. Buy it because it makes you feel good. Or buy it because it makes you think. Whatever your reason, just buy it. You'll be glad you did.

My devout Christian friend made me a copy of this CD one time, and I absolutely loved it. This CD inspired me to take my religion more seriously and to want a closer relationship with God. I lost the copy of that tape and have been searching for the CD in stores for a looong time. Finally I couldn't take it anymore so I went ahead and ordered it online. I'm slowly but surely building a stronger relationship with God, and I'm going to love having this CD in my possession so I can be inspired whenever I need it. Michael W. Smith is truly blessed with an amazing talent. DEFINITELY buy this CD!

Great collection of Michael's best stuff. I would of course added about 3 more tracks. Best Of and Greatest Hits don't regularly include "lesser known" songs. 'Cross of Gold' is pure gold and many others are well deserving. This collection is a must for any fan of GOOD music. This is something you can listen to anytime.

I couldn't disagree more with the reviewer above. Synthesized? (spell check?) I don't think so. If you've seen him live (I doubt you have) then you would know MWS has talent and caters to almost every musical taste. And if you made music in the eighties, which he did, you're going to have synthesizers in your production. Your comment is unfounded and down-right rude.

Smitty has repeatedly recorded songs that Christians and non-believers alike have come to enjoy and become some of their favorite songs. I think "nails on a chalkboard" should be reserved for more appropriate genres.

I read your reviews of Clay Aiken and had to laugh. Your discrediting a God fearing musician that actually plays several instruments and "licking the dust of the shoes" of someone that didn't win a talent show. Do the math. I hope you give MWS another try and listen to more than just a few songs. You might find more than you bargaind for.

I don't know if it's possible to have an all time favorite CD, probably because there's always something better from Michael that comes along, but I love this CD! I think it's going to get warped from being in my car CD player all the time. If you're looking for a great album with positive uplifting lyrics and fantastic melodies that make you feel like rocking, this is the CD to get! I first heard "Place in This World" on AC radio and was introduced to CCM music, and have been a fan since. The new songs on this album are great. "Do You Dream of Me" has to be one of my favorites MWS songs. The only problem I have with the album is they forgot to add "Somebody Love Me" and "For You". I just want the CD to be longer, but it still ranks up in my top five of all time favorites albums.

"Do You Dream of Me", will be in my wedding right alongside Steven Curtis Chapman's "Go There with You", which is definately a compliment! This cd has ministered to me in several dark valley's. God uses Michael's unique voice to reach young hurting hearts with messages of hope, understanding and love! If you don't have this cd in your music library, your simply missing out!

The First Decade was my introduction to Michael W. Smith. When I reached the early-teenage years of wanting my own music, Mom handed me The First Decade and said that "he does rock". Well, sure enough, MWS does. Incidently, he also has touching, thoughtful words and great tunes.

I was enamoured with Go West Young Man and the straight-up rock that encourages young people to go against the crowd.
I was moved to tears over Rocketown, the story of a young man trapped in a bad circumstance and questioning what makes the new stranger in town different from the rest. "What was his secret? Could I know it?"
I was encouraged by Old Enough to Know, about a girl who is being pulled away from God by her boyfriend.

Friends comes to mind when a Christian friend moves away, because "Friends are Friends forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them."
Secret Ambition is a driving song about Jesus's ministry, and how his secret ambition was unlike any other human's secret ambition ever before.
Give it Away speaks to our day and age of selfish love, and how "Love isn't Love until you give it away".
I Am Sure talks about how the world will end someday, and how "the Lord will come when this life is through, and his deep desire is to be with you."

Great is the Lord is a thunderous end to the album, written by Smith's wife, and for years I thought it was an actual hymn. "Great is the Lord, and worthy of glory! Great is the Lord and worthy of praise!"

The only MWS album I have ever encountered that topped this one in sheer powerful lyrics is Live the Life.

I have owned this cd for a couple of years now and it is one of my cd's that I reach for time and time again.

With each and every track, you get inspirational music created and performed by someone who truly LOVES what they are doing. To me, this makes all the difference in the world when the love and energy comes bubbling through on each and EVERY track besides the superb musical talent Michael W.has.

There isn't a song on this cd that I can say I don't care for. My absolute favorite is "Kentucky Rose" and "Pray For Me".

This is another 2 thumbs up recording from Michael W. Smith that I whole-heartedly support and recommend to anyone shopping for inspirational and Christian music! It's not his latest but it's a must have in my opinion.

This CD was fantastic - it had all his very best from 83-93 (and I think those were the years of Michael's best music)! ALL of the tracks were great, but my favorites were . . .

- I Will Be Here for You
- Place in This, World
- Go West Young Man
- Secret Ambition (my VERY favorite - it's a wonderful song!)
- Old Enough to Know
- Rockettown

All of the lyrics are thoughtful and meaningful (unlike some other artist's lyrics out there), and the tunes are beautiful! I bought this CD after I bought the Second Decade (93-03), and I found this one much better! If you're going to get one of them or any older Michael W. Smith CD . . . I think this CD would be best. The Second Decade is great too, but I really liked this one much more. So if you're a Michael W. Smith fan (like me) . . . this CD HAS to be a part of your collection - I guarantee it will be a favorite!!

Michael W. Smith is simply one of the best of the best. He has song after song after song that just cut into you deeper than the sharpest knife. His music and even the simple messages in his songs are always just what I need to get me through the rough times.

This CD encompasses the first 10 years of his solid ministry, picking the best of the best for us to enjoy. So, for all of the Smitty fans who aren't "freaks" enough to go buy 20 or so CD's from him, this CD is an excellent choice.

Great upbeat songs: PICTURE PERFECT, GO WEST YOUNG MAN, SECRET AMBITION
Great mellow songs: I WILL BE HERE FOR YOU, PLACE IN THIS WORLD, ROCKETOWN, FRIENDS

I loved Michael's songs on this CD. I dont think he knows how much of an impact he had on some people when making this record. Picture Perfect is an excellent song telling us the audience that you do not have to be a barbie or ken doll to be cool and I appreciated the song for the message. The songs I Will Be Here forYou and Place in this World really helped me though some very tough times. If you are going through a tough time I suggest listening to these songs. I Will be Here tells you God is there for you even in the tough times. I had a hard time seeing that God was there for me but Michael's songs gave me the extra push to say hey God is with me even though it is a tough time right now. Place in This World helped becase I felt I had no place in this world but Michael's songs told me you need to look beyond what I was seeing at the time.Pray for me helped me to think the person who was hurting me should be prayed for just as much as me. I recommend this CD or cassate for anyone who is having problems in their life. These songs help you to go on the right path to be happy and have God by your side through troubled times.