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Product Details
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Track Listings
| 1. Save Me From Myself |
| 2. Take My Breath Away |
| 3. Run To You |
| 4. I'll Wait For You |
| 5. Forever Yours |
| 6. Welcome |
| 7. Wonder (Not Far Away) |
| 8. Rise |
| 9. You Belong To Me |
| 10. Leave |
| 11. One More Time |
| 12. Take Me Over |
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
27 of 28 people found the following review helpful
By Aviya
Format: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.
36 of 41 people found the following review helpful
By Levi Gangi
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
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.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format: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.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
One of my favorite Michael W Smith albums
It seems this album has some negative critics. The lyrics in this album are good and the music in the background stir the soul. Read more
Published 12 days ago by Chris
5.0 out of 5 stars
Christian music
I really enjoy Michael W. Smith as a singer/songwriter. Really enjoy this cd. Would recommend this cd to other people looking for good Christian music.
Published 2 months ago by Sylvia Patzold
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great CD
I attended a Christian college in the early 1980s, and at the time it seemed that everyone was listening to Michael W. Smith. Well, to this day, Michael still has it! Read more
Published 2 months ago by Kurt A. Johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars
My favorite Christian CD for 2012
This is Michael's strongest CD in many years. All the songs are easy to listen to. This CD will appeal to people of all ages.
Published 3 months ago by J Johnstone
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good singer, OK music
I thought this album would be more music and less noise. Christian singers seem to think they have to be rock stars - too bad!
Published 4 months ago by Nancy Connair
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Collection of Songs
Great Christian Music. Great addtion to my Michael W Smith collection.. The Album has a very good selection of songs, an excellent addition to my MP3 Player music library
Published 4 months ago by David D. Messinger
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonder by Michael W. Smith
I love just sitting back and letting this CD minister to me. Each song is like a heart's cry from Michael to the ones he loves. Read more
Published 4 months ago by HONEY
5.0 out of 5 stars
NICE!
Just listened to this album on Myspace, I bought ost of the songs, but I liked this album. It was a calm mix of Pop and Rock, something similar to Mike's older albums. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mike
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unlike other MWS albums I own
This Michael W. Smith album is somewhat edgey compared to his other albums. But it just shows the versatility of his artistry. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Joel Hahn
5.0 out of 5 stars
Like a C37A jet ride smittys album wonders great
Michael W Smith is respected as a Christian Singer and Humanitarian. Debbie Smith Michaels wife always has some nice comment at the Michael W Smith official site. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Brad Morgan
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