Customer Reviews

Live the Life

5 star:		(112)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

LIVE THE LIFE is an absolute powerhouse effort from Smitty, proving he still has what it takes after all these years. No other album moves me quite as much as this one does; each song brings specific feelings and memories to mind. "Missing Person" is the best song he has ever recorded, thanks to a fantastic hook and outstanding production (which characterizes the entire album). "Hello, Goodbye" is totally heartwrenching, and the title track is an anthem with a powerful message of accountability. "Song For Rich" is one of Michael's best instrumentals and "Never Been Unloved" is one of Wayne Kirkpatrick's best lyrics. This praise sounds overly generous, but in all honesty is deserved. The album suffers slightly from an odd flow, but the songs so individually strong that it's okay.

In the end, this is the best album of Smitty's long career, and that's saying a lot. Only i2(EYE) comes close. Except for the mind-numbing "Love Me Good," every cut is a winner. If Michael ever tops this project I would be shocked. Christian pop, and pop music in general, doesn't get any better than this. Five Stars.

Michael W. Smith has always had wonderful and inspiring Christian music, but this time he's outdone himself! If it's possible, this CD is Smitty's best project yet. Just when I think his songs can't get any better, he rolls out with a new CD, filled with even more inspirational songs and awesome music. From beginning to end this CD is just too good for words. Smitty forces you into the mood with "Missing Person", and then catches you off-guard with the unique, but still wonderful "Love Me Good." "Live the Life" keeps the energy pumping and "Never Been Unloved" renews the hope we sometimes loose. "I Believe in you Now" perfectly illustrates some of the feelings that new Christians go through. "Don't Give Up"'s up-beat tempo and inspirational lyrics inspire you to do just that...never give up. "Let Me Show you the Way" is a beautiful song with just the right mix to keep your ears glued to the stereo. "I Know Your Name," reminds us there is a God and that he always listens and cares. "Matter of Time" is a very inspirational song, both spiratually and also in a sort of romantic way. "In My Arms Again," is an all time favorite. It has just the right mix of classic and rock to it. The piano chords are just simply beautiful. The lyrics are extremley touching. "Song for Rich" is again one of my favorite works. Being a band student I know the skill and time involved in composing a piece for an orchestra. This piece was very well done, and it reminded me of Rich Mullins music. "Hello,Good-Bye" was a very emotional, but essential song. It reminds us all that even though we have lost a loved one they are now in a better place. Thank you for taking the time to read my review, I appreciate it greatly.

Stupendous. Magnificent. Awesome. Beautiful. Amazing. This is MWS at his best. Live the Life is a wonderful CD that I would suggest to anyone. I especially like the title track, In my arms again(song written for the movie Titanic), For Rich(an instrumental piece written for Rich Mullins), and the sweet Hello,Goodbye(A song written for his friend's son Noah, who died after 2 and a half days). If you are famillar with his previous recordings, It's a lot different. If you compare it with i 2 eye, It's got way less percussion. Some of the songs are similar to I'll lead you home, and the first decade CD has a lot that sounds like it. His style I think he based off of Rich Mullin's songs, because some of it sounds a lot like his stuff, especially when you compare Step By Step and Live the Life. If you don't generally listen to Christian music, He's the old dude with glasses who sang, Go west, young man. He sounds much better then Backstreet Boys, N'sync, Five, 98 degrees, and all the others, believe me, I listen to the radio. Not to mention he writes his own songs, not like those preppy boy bands that get other people to write songs for them.... Sorry, That's a pet peeve of mine. He has a very up to date sound in this CD, and yet he still has a folksy sort of rhythm on some of his stuff, like Matter of Time, and Never Been Unloved. It's good for both young people(Hey I'm 12, and I've been listening to him since I was 2) and for old people(my MOM and DAD like his stuff.) He sounds a bit like Steven Curtis Chapman with a lower voice, not to mention he's got way more CD's out. And for the atheist guy who wrote a review, you're an idiot to be able to listen to this CD and not believe in Jesus. I'm a Jesus Freak, and he rocks.

This album really showcases Michael's lyrical, instrumental, and vocal abilities well, and it is very uplifting! "Missing Person" is a soul-searching song I think we all can identify with, and my favourite on this CD. I like all of the songs on here, but other highlights are "Never Been Unloved" (the sweet and simple truth we all need to hear!), "I Know Your Name" (another reminder of God's loving care), and "Song for Rich" (for all you Scottish/Irish pipes fans out there!) The only drawback on this CD is that God's name is only mentioned a couple of times, and two of the songs are love songs ("A Matter of Time" and "In My Arms Again"), though those tracks are beautiful. Also, "Let Me Show You the Way" is one of my absolute favourites, and it is about friendship, but can be taken in another way. If you don't mind "Christian love songs" and so forth, though, you are guaranteed to enjoy this album! Soothing and inspiring!

I recently started listening to Michael W. Smith, and I asked for "Live the Life" as a Christmas present. I had read the reviews on Amazon[.com], and couldn't wait to hear this one. I was not disappointed! This album certainly lived up to all the positive reviews. Someone mentioned that this was the album Smitty was born to make, and I agree wholeheartedly! The songs are very spiritual, the melodies unforgettable. They range from spirited tunes, to lovely ballads. I very highly recommend this album to anyone who loves Smitty's music, and to anyone who has never heard him and would like to try out one of his albums. I guarantee you will love it!

What can I say? I haven't listened to Michael W. Smith for years--I'm not even Christian. But this album contains some beautiful pieces with thoughtful lyrics. There are songs for people at every stage of life, every age, in many different situations. "Missing Person" speaks to the childlike sense of wonder, trust, and faith that so many of us buried under layers of skepticism and "reality" as we grew older. "Hello, Good-Bye" will bring tears to the eyes of anyone who has ever had to endure the loss of a child or sibling. "I Know Your Name" offers gentle encouragement for anyone--but especially adolescents--who are going through those feelings of isolation so prevalent during teenage years. My favorite is probably the haunting "In My Arms Again." Written for Titanic (and unfortunately not used), this song captures a little part of the longing that people feel when they have lost someone who they loved dearly. Also, in this age of global travel and networking, this track can help soothe the souls of those who are currently involved in long-distance relationships. It's worth buying the album for this song alone.

If you're looking for the teenybopper pop sound (which was--dare I say it--present on some of MWS's previous releases), this album is not for you. If, however, you're looking for well-done, inspirational contemporary music (not even going to say "Christian" here because you certainly don't have to be a Christian to appreciate this album), you've found it in "Live The Life."

When I bought this album I was quite new to gospel & MWS, but I can assure you, if you want to spend money on just one gospel album, this would be it. MWS does his stuff like someone who's been there. "Missing Person" shows everyone has faith dips, "I Know Your Name" speaks of God's Love for us even when we may doubt a little. "Never Been Unloved" comforts for the same reason and in the same way. But for me the powerhouse recordings on this album are the last three: "In My Arms Again" will move everyone who's ever lost someone ( most of us, that is ), and ditto "Song for Rich", and "Hello, Goodbye", written for someone who's lost a friend and a child respectively. Go get yourself a copy, you'll never regret it. Secular listeners may just find this album to be their pointer to the Lord!

"Live the Life", has to be the best Christian song that MWS has written! It is so relevant for today's world!! MWS has a way of relating to others through his music, especially me!"Missing Person", describes myself so thoroughly that I would have thought he wrote that song especially for me if I didn't know any better! If you don't own this cd, you should!!

Since my years in Junior High, Michael W. Smith's music has been a large part of the soundtrack of my life. His music speaks to me in volumes. I played his music during the loss of my brother, and I play his music to my two toddler girls. He ranges from fast-paced, upbeat fun, to mellow, soothe-the-soul inspiration. No matter what, all his music is a devotion to Christ and a heartfelt dedication to our Lord. Michael W. Smith's music has been part of my "record" collection for over half my life... and will be through to the end. My thanks and genuine gratitude to Michael and his family, for walking with us in our faith to our Lord, and for sharing such inspirational talent during such worrisome years on this Earth. Thank You, Michael W. Smith... and Thank You, Christ Jesus.

Live the Life is to put it bluntly a masterpiece of the music world and should be cherished by every living breathing person on this earth. Shame on you who have dissed this cd and have given it less than honorable reviews! How can anyone have anything but praise to say about this cd? Along with a select few other cd's this has got to be one of the best albums period. All of the songs are memorable and I personally challenge anyone to not break down and cry while listening to In My Arms Again and Hello, Goodbye. They are the two most beautiful songs on the whole album and if they don't move you to tears then you must not have a heart. This is without a doubt Michael W. Smith's best cd he's ever made and since it came out he hasn't been able to even touch its greatness with his other ones. A most magnificent piece of artistry that will astound you, rock you, and touch you like nothing else has. God bless to everyone!