Wonder

Michael W. Smith (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 28, 2010)
• Original Release Date: 2010
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Reunion Records
• ASIN: B003ZDZ220
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,581 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

2010 release from the contemporary Christian singer/songwriter. Twelve new songs pack this new MWS project with subject matter that is sure to pierce your heart, backed by a relevant music journey. Smitty says, ''These songs on this project are hopeful, anthemic and healing, musically and lyrically. I had a lot I wanted to say and the songs on this album allowed me to open up and do just that.''

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A deep, powerful, emotional, poetic, album, September 28, 2010

By 

Aviya - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wonder (Audio CD)

I'm having some difficulty accurately relaying my emotional response to this new record by Michael W. Smith. It would be cliche to call it visceral, although that's exactly what it is. I would say that it is a radical departure, an amazing, well-crafted work, from an artist whose been around several decades. Michael W. Smith reveals his vulnerabilities, his overtly paternal affectations in a not-so-distinct, somewhat somber, yet upbeat, almost disturbingly passionate manner. Every album Michael W. Smith has produced is distinctly different from any other and this one is no exception. I highly, highly, highly recommend it.

29 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Criticism from a true fan, October 14, 2010

By 

Levi Gangi "Levi" (Abilene, KS USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wonder (Audio CD)

Let me open by saying that I have every album Michael has ever made. That's right...everything from "Project" up through this current offering. He was my inspiration to continue piano lessons as a kid, and was an early inspiration in songwriting. I've seen him in concert several times and think he is a genuine guy and a great entertainer.

The Smitty/Wayne Kirkpatrick songwriting duo was incredible. The lyrics fit the music, and still carried a moving message. Since Michael has started writing with others, I think the songwriting has suffered. Musically this album is rich and powerful...which is Michael's work, no doubt. But the lyrics just don't fit anymore. It's like he is trying to get these deep messages across, then copying someone's words onto music that doesn't complement it. On Wonder (Not Far Away) Michael is talking the verses, "Everybody has enough to bear / and everyone feels the strain / there's a lot that really isn't fair / but it isn't more than you can take." Not a bad topic for a song, but you can't just take lyrics and say them over some music. Michael did a similar song a decade ago with Kirkpatrick lyrics called "Give Me Love" but the quirky lyrics fit the rapid-fire delivery style. Not so with Wonder.

There is just a lot of "talking" going on, and not singing. The message on "Leave" is lost because there is really no melody at all. It's like reading a poem with music behind it. The trick to pop songwriting is to take words and craft them into a soaring melody - the words and the melody should be inseparable. Think of Michael's earlier works: Place in This World, Give it Away (perfect lyrical fit with that song), Secret Ambition, I'll Lead You Home, Never Been Unloved. These songs soar because the lyrics are lifted up by the melodies.

I appreciate that Smitty is trying to stay relevant in the Christian music scene, and that he is working with a variety of artists (Leeland, Matthew West). But I think he shines the most when it's just him and the piano, cutting to the core of the song. The best song on Wonder is "Welcome Home." Beautiful melody and piano chording. If he came out with an album of vocals and piano, all written by him, I can guarantee it would be his best work in a decade.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, September 30, 2010

By 

Diane Zavocki "dimaza" (KINTERSVILLE,PA,18930) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Wonder (Audio CD)

After 22 albums this is one of his best.A mixture of pop,rock,worship,and love songs.You will not be disappointed.He is not getting older but is getting better.