Customer Reviews

Worship Again

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I'll start first by saying that this whole album is just a ballad, or a love song to God. If you will break precedent and fall on your knees with your heart in the right place, you'll be in the presence of the Holy Spirit. There's something here for everyone, in my opinion. The album begins with a very mysterious introduction which leads into Rich Mullins' "Step By Step", which, by the way, is part of Smith's own "Forever We Will Sing". It then moves on to a very Celtic/Irish-like atmosphere of worship. The whole album is very mellow and soothing, but powerful in every sense of the word with some beautiful Irish instrumentation and outstanding background vocals! He has some songs of his own that he co-wrote with his wife, Debbie, and "I Can Hear Your Voice" written by Smith, Debbie, and their daughter Whitney. He also composed an instrumental piece called "Sacred Romance" which is very self-explanatory in Christianity terms! It includes 3 studio tracks that are very beautiful and heart-felt, the last of which being "There She Stands" a sobering patriotic song written by Smith and Wes King. If you will just take the moment to let this sink in and dwell on the beauty and power of God's infinite love, this album will deliver something amazing that will make it just as great or better than its predecessor!

I agree with some of the reviews on here that this second worship album is very different from the first, in its tone, choice of songs, and overall presentation, and I found it a bit difficult at first, as well. The first album was a "wow" inspiring performance-IMHO, Smith is a much better live performer than a studio artist-and if you are looking for a performance, then he does fail to deliver. What he does deliver, however, is a true praise and worship session. Gone are the star-studded performances and the dramatic instrumental. This time, Smith lets the music speak for itself, and it speaks loud and clear. He forsakes choices from the Top 40 Christian hits, and instead, modernizes such classical hymns as Lord Have Mercy and The Wonderful Cross, with magnificent results. What I loved most about this album was the emphasis on the audience, the voice of which sometimes drowned out that of both Smith and the backup vocalists. When they raise their voices together in I Give You My Heart, I get chills every time. At first, I, too, was disappointed, having been in love with the awe-inspiring Worship. But the more I listen to this album, the more I realize-it's the better of the two. If this is a trend, then I can't wait for the third.

With his first worship project (Worship, released September 11, 2001) still high in the charts, Michael W. Smith released his sophomore worship project simply titled 'Worship Again' on October 22, 2002. I absolutely loved 'Worship,' and I had a chance to preview some of the new songs on the "Worship DVD," so I had been looking forward to the release of this project for months and ran out first thing this morning to pick it up (nearly making myself late for work!). I can safely say I was sold the first copy at the store because the clerk didn't even have them out of the box yet when I arrived.

I was certainly not disappointed when I listened. MWS brings the same passion and musical talent to this album, recorded live at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY. It has upbeat praise choruses like "Step By Step/Forever We Will Sing," a moving instrumental, "The Sacred Romance," and the great chorus "I Give You My Heart," just to name a few. Awesome crowd and choir particpation made for a great version of "You Are Holy (Prince of Peace)." Amy Grant provides a nice solo verse in the studio cut of "Lord Have Mercy." And no one can deny the great patrotic tribute in the bonus track "There She Stands." "Worship Again" is a great follow-up to the "Worship" project. I give it 5 stars! I'm thinking Worship 3, how about it, Smitty?? ;)

This CD was a big part of changing my sinful life and I listen to it everyday now. "There is None Like You" and "No One Can Touch My Heart" made me realize that nothing, not one thing, can love us as much as Jesus Christ. A few days later after constantly listening and singing the words over and over again in my head, I was saved. God used this CD to make me change my ways.

Unlike some of the other reviewers, I actually liked this one better than the first. The Celtic undertones and the mix of new songs with the classics really made it a great worship experience for me. I coupled buying the CD with attending the Come Together and Worship Tour with MWS and Third Day, which has enhanced my enjoyment of the CD.

As I mentioned, the Celtic feel, which is very prevalent in worship music today, really made the CD sing. Songs like "Ancient Words" and "Lord Have Mercy" have a feel of mystery about them which is fresh and new. The upbeat songs are great too, but I've always thought Smitty's greatest talents are more in the ballads and semi-classical motifs.

With all due respect to those with more charismatic leanings than my own, I was glad that this recording did not have any "mantra-like" songs like "Let it Rain" from Worship. The climaxing screaming and shouting that accompanied that track was a bit over the top for me personally. This being said, I think that this album will appeal a little more to the meditative worshipper in some ways.

Overall, a must-have for any Smitty fan, and a great purchase for any worshipper.

Chris

After the huge success of his 2001 release Worship, Michael W. Smith decided to follow up with this CD. While the title is unfortunately very unoriginal, the CD itself is as wonderful as the first one was.

Again, the majority of the CD is from a live recording featuring Michael W. Smith on lead vocal and piano with others on other instruments and a few people providing the additional vocals. He didn't reunite the all star group from the first CD, but this group of musicians does just as fine a job.

The song selection was more unfamiliar to me when I first got it, but there are some standout songs here as well. My favorite would have to be "The Wonderful Cross." I just love this modern take on the classic hymn. Two Rich Mullins classics are featured, "I See You" near the end and "Step by Step" as part of the opening medley with "Forever We Will Sing." I also really enjoy the last live track, "You are Holy (Prince of Peace)."

Once again, the studio cuts feature a song already on the CD live, this time its "Lord Have Mercy" which includes vocals from Amy Grant. He also includes "Here I Am to Worship" and, as a bonus track, "There She Stands," a patriotic song in honor of the US flag. While I like the song, I do wonder what it is doing on a worship CD.

Fans of the original will love this follow-up. Anyone looking for a good praise CD will find this one fits the bill.

Perhaps if MWS did not entitle this CD "Worship Again," some of the reviewers would have been a little kinder. I don't know MWS, but I would venture a guess that he did not seek to duplicate the essence of "Worship" when he embarked on this production.

Worship Again has its own sound, its own melodies, its own flavor. I did not listen to this CD and try to compare it with its predecessor, because you cannot. Its two different productions.

MWS brings his own unique style- his unique style as a musician and singer, to this live concert. This CD is every bit as worthy of commendation as Worship because of what MWS brings to the table---the heart's desire to glorify G-d with his music.

I've listened to this a few times now and it is really growing on me. It IS different in style to the first one, it is a lot more reflective and some parts remind me of previous Smitty albums (especially Tracks 5-7 remind me of parts of the "I'll Lead You Home" album).

On the downside, I thought the performance of "Step by Step" and "I See You" was marginally better on the Worship DVD, although MWS & co really know how to bring out the best in these songs. I wasn't particularly impressed with the unremarkable studio rendition of "Here I Am To Worship" (the live Stoneleigh album version is much better). I'm afraid I also really don't see why "There She Stands" belongs on a *Christian worship* album (apologies to all Americans, but I really don't - sorry). It would have been fine on a Smitty album, but it feels out of place here.

If you're a Smitty fan it's obviously a must. If you enjoy well-produced and performed live worship then I also recommend it.

I Love this CD! Micheal W.S. is a great worship leader and definitely takes you into the presence of God through his worship. I loved his arrangments on each these songs and the other singers and musicians that he features! Great job Smitty!
God bless you!!

"Worship Again," the follow-up to Michael W. Smith's "Worship," is nearly as good as its predecessor, but it is a very good album in its own right. Some of my favorites here include "Step By Step/Forever We Will Sing," "The Wonderful Cross," "There Is None Like You" and the powerful Rich Mullins classic "I See You." I also love the studio cuts--especially Smitty's version of Tim Hughes' "Here I Am To Worship." And then there's "There She Stands," a song about Old Glory which Smitty wrote following the September 11, 2001 attacks. "Worship Again" is ALMOST as good as "Worship," but it is still definitely worth a listen or ten or twenty.