Stand

Michael W. Smith | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 7, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Reunion
• ASIN: B000IJ7RDG
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #66,840 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Smith's 19th Album Still "Stands" for the Best, December 6, 2006

By 

Timothy Yap "thy4568" (Sydney, NSW, Australia) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Stand (Audio CD)

Prime Cuts: Esacpe Your Love, How to Say Goodbye, Be Lifted High

18 albums later, Michael W. Smith still stands for the best that contemporary Christian music can bring. Whilst many a lesser artist would think that some clanging drums and ear-destroying guitars over a half-baked tunes may suffice as music, Smith continues to pilaster his music in sturdy melodic flair evincing a personal and heartfelt streak. After two albums of worship songs and the average "Healing Rain," "Stand" is the first of Smith's original material album that satisfies. However, his plunge into the traditional worship foray still bears a foreboding presence here as many of these new cuts could pass muster. Nevertheless, this new effort finds the import of his protégé Leeland Mooring as well as old pal Amy Grant and famed producer Matt Bronleewe as his writing cohorts. Though the songs are by no means out of character with Smith's polished pop trait, they are by far some of Smith's most thoughtful works that have an acuminous way of ministering to the lonely, lost and downtrodden bringing them to the redeeming arms of Jesus.

As the piano has always been Smith's choice métier of composition, the tinkling of some ivory magic is evident on the Smith/Amy Grant composition "How to Say Goodbye." Though clocking in at a mere 2:18 minutes, it is a heart rending piano ballad about a parents saying goodbye to a child. While "Be Lifted High" is an above par worship ballad bolstered by some expressive heartfelt prayerful lyrics. This is indeed a classic in the making. Reaching back to the late Keith Green's catalog "Oh Lord, You're Beautiful" is something that would not be out of step with what Smith had been doing with his previous couple of worship CDs. Although "Grace" continues the worship theme, but Smith sounds raspy and out of breath on critical moments somehow marring the performance a tad.

Though this is a ballad heavy album, there is not a dearth of more propulsive endeavors. "Cover Me," finds a gritty Smith rocking with a reckless abandon in the assurance of God's sovereignty. Like "How to Say Goodbye" and "Oh Lord You're Beautiful," the title cut, a Hillsong cover, is a less than a three minute interlude that leaves more to be desired. Much more substantial is the contagious melodic "Escape Your Love" complete with a harmonica harmony that brings to mind Stevie Wonder's blithe "You're the Sunshine of My Life." Noteworthy also is "In Silence," a rollicking pop-rocker that challenges the church not be passive in the face of wants and needs.

After 18 albums many artists feel the need to keep re-defining themselves. However, at the end of the day, it still comes down to the songs. Without songs that have a way of itching into people's conscience and heart for a long time, no amount of re-invention will last. To this end, Smith knows it best. Overall, "Stand" is an album that will withstand the test of time and it also solidifies our hope in Smith to deliver the best in contemporary Christian music.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Give it a few listens and you are hooked, and uplifted, November 13, 2006

By 

Tannay Dave "TannayDave" (Switzerland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stand (Audio CD)

I have to tell you: my first listen to this CD disappointed me a little. The opening track "Cover Me" pulled me right in, but the overall album was slower in pace than I was hoping for. But after a couple of listens, I was sold. Now its a regualr fixture on my CD. So don't dismiss the CD if your first listen disappoints. Give it time. There are many excellent tracks. At the moment I have to say that his cover of "Lord, You're Beautiful" is blowing me away. The title trakc is also outstanding.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars He Stands again!, January 10, 2007

By 

H.J. van der Klis (Balkbrug, Overijssel Netherlands) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Stand (Audio CD)

Michael W. Smith's latest albums contains the best of (his) both worlds: worship and pop. Featuring Come to the Cross, Be Lifted High, How to Say Goodbye and a cover of the Keith Green classic O Lord, You're Beautiful. You can't stand alone without Stand