Customer Reviews

Worship

5 star:		(138)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I would like to disagree with the Editorial review posted by Michael Lyttle. I think the comments made by him about Smitty's talent are definitely on track. However, his comments saying the album was flat and predictable are way off track.

I think Smitty chose correctly by only including one of his original songs on the CD and not perform it with the others. The purpose of the concert was to record live a meaningful Praise and Worship event. Other artists were giving of their time with their recording companies blessing to help create a moment in time that would move other's. How could Smitty selfishly do something like play more of his own music when other's were giving selflessly? He was selfless as well.

That intent was more than well met. This CD is absolutely awe inspiring. The way the songs flowed into each other from beginning to end could not have been more well thought out. I still get misty eyed when I listen to certain songs and not just Let it rain or Draw me close.

From the beginning with the two girls reading scripture to the ending with More Love More Power, the presence of the Holy Spirit was obviously present. How else could you explain the powerful blending of artists who have never performed together as a group? They came together the day of the concert to perform. To my knowledge that was the only time they met.

The way the voices flowed and meshed is nothing less than God planned. Think about it. No one voice other than Smitty's really stood out and that couldn't be helped because he had his own microphone at the piano. His blended in as well.

Each song has hit me harder than when I heard the orginal artist perform it. I take this CD with me whenever I am helping my landlady out by painting or cleaning an apt. I listen to it at home when I do homework.

It brings in the spirit of God in a way that I am sure He is pleased with. If he wasn't pleased, how would you explain the success of this event? Or the timing?

There is no way Smitty or anyone could have predicted the events of 9/11 to happen. To have this spiritually moving event be released on the day of such a tragedy can answer the question where was God?

He was there reaching out to help all of us with our grief and struggles when that tragic day happened. He was there when the recording was made and He's here with us now as you are reading this.

Praise and Worship music is meant to help usher us into the presence of God in a way that hymns can't accomplish. It is meant to help us experience worship in a way that we haven't before. This CD does an outstanding job in answering that need.

Michael W Smith has always wanted to record a worship album like this. On the EXODUS project he worked to create a multi-artist collaboration that focused on creating modern worship songs for the church. On his new album, WORSHIP, he is able to actually lead a live worship service that absolutely succeeds in putting the focus on where it's supposed to be: God.

The song line-up is a good one. Newer tracks like "The Heart Of Worship" and "Open the Eyes of My Heart" are sung right along side classic songs like "Awesome God" and "More Love, More Power." Smith has led worship at his church for years, and that experience shines through here as he proves to be most adept at taking the spotlight off of himself (and the "all-star" cast in the choir) and directing it towards the One who was being sung to. The album flows well and though it's not really a "modern" worship album (musically it is more traditional) it's got all the passion and genuine spirit associated with the modern worship movement. The studio tracks included as a bonus are also superb (and Smith writes with his wife, Debbie, on "Purified," for the first time in years), and sit well along side previous Smith classics like "Agnus Dei" and "Great Is the Lord."

If you're a fan of Michael's you're going to pick this up automatically. Even if you're not, you should give it a listen. It doesn't rock and there's nothing particularly innovative here, but it's a real worship experience that brings you into the presence of God, and that's what it's really all about. WORSHIP is definitely one of the best of a growing number of worship album options. FIVE STARS.

Well, he finally did it. Michael W. Smith's first worship album. And, not even surprisingly, it's THE best collection of praise and worship songs I have ever heard. Every single offering on this album is absolutely beautiful. The first time I heard the opening track, it stirred my blood and sent a shiver up my spine, and the only reason I wasn't clapping along with the crowd on the CD was because I was driving at the time. Michael's ability to take an already great worship song and turn it into a masterpiece is unparalleled. I only wish I could have been in the chapel at Carpenter's Home when this blessed event took place. His amazing piano is joined by a wonderful band and a choir that reads like a Christian music All-Star roster; Amy Grant, Phillips, Craig, and Dean, Chris Rice, Out of Eden, members of Plus One, Cindy Morgan, and many others all contribute to this powerful experience. A few of the songs on this CD aren't very well-known, but by the end they'll be forever etched on your memory, thanks to this ensemble. "Unforgettable" is an understatement. You'll be inspired, lifted up, brought to your knees, and shaken to your foundation, all in one hour. When I heard the chorus for "Let It Rain", I cried for the first time in over ten years--it's that moving. I could go on for days about this album, but the review has to end sometime. Get this CD and listen for yourself...it could very well change your life.

I had always been a fan of MWS since his early works, but I'd never been much of a "worship album" buyer. Most of the time, recorded worship music failed to evoke the same sense of reverency and spiritual connection as the live experience. All that changed for me when MWS released this album. Not only did he bring his incredible mixture of professionalism and humility to this medium, he also set the standard for worship music- both in the professional venue and in churches- and everyone else has been trying to match it since then.

It is also interesting to note- with no small amount of irony- that this album was released on September 11, 2001. I'm sure that the news of its release was eclipsed by the events of that tragic and fateful day, but its release on that day was noteworthy nonetheless, as it provided comfort and healing and a refocusing for many Americans of faith, just as it did for me. It's especially ironic to hear Smitty's spoken segue, unknowingly recorded months earlier to 9/11, to "Draw Me Close": "...I think we're just living in a day and age where we just want to grab ahold onto something... and cry out to God."

Of all the tracks, two stand out as especially powerful. Unlike a previous reviewer, I found the live track, "Let It Rain", to be particularly touching, especially at the center section during the reading of Psalm 97. It sends shivers up my spine and brings tears to my eyes to hear the people in that auditorium shouting praise to God in one voice in response to His Word, and it segues beautifully into "Agnus Dei" to complete the declaration of God's glory.

The other powerful song is "Purified". Even though this is a studio track, the message is as clear as David's cry to "create in me a clean heart, O God": a stirring declaration of God's purity and holiness, and our desire to be made clean and holy by Him.

Summing up, this album is how Praise and Worship music should be done, and Michael W. Smith has raised the bar of excellence in this regard. Definitely worth adding to your collection!

I have to admit that I am perplexed by some of the reviews (including the editor's) which express disapointment that this album contains predictable material. I think these reviews miss the point. The CD aims to capture (as Michael admits during the service) the energy and passion that comes when we enter into God's presennce during an authentic worship service, and to provide a CD that can be listened to anywhere: in the car at home, etc. In this the album surpasses all expectations. From the opening scripture reading through the closing chords of More Love, More Power, the performance reaches and sustains an incredible level of energy and devotion. True, the songs are not new and the arrangements lack the raw energy of, say the Passion Praise Band or Sonic Flood, but they are powerful, respectful and worshipful. If you are looking to worship God and can't wait for next Sunday's contemporary worship service, then put this CD on, raise your hands, and prepare to enter into His presence.

It seems unbelievable to me that Smitty released this album on Sept. 11th. I listened once and believe that this may be Michael at his best. I have always loved his music. This album is much different than his others. For those who love worshipping our God you need to experience this CD. His love for God is ever present here. I find myself singing along with some of my favorite worship songs. His musical ability and depth are here. I would highly recommend this album to anyone. This album has parts that remind me of the Hosanna praise music at its best. For those heavy metal or electric guitar nuts stay away. Michael has shown us that worship in this time in our country can heal all those wounds. I hope Smitty continues to put out gems like this album.

I have used this album to lead small groups in worship (I am not a worship leader, unless there is none other!), to rock my baby to sleep, and to exercise by. The music is beautiful, the lyrics are easy to pick up on, and this cd plays well in almost any setting.

Some have suggested that the live audience noises are sometimes distracting. However, praise and worship music should convey an atmosphere of the community of faith adoring its God. I can be alone, singing to this music, and my sense is that I'm in the company of scores of brothers and sisters.

Reviewers complain that these songs are not new. Maybe that is why I enjoyed the music--why I can sing to it so easily. My sense is that Michael wanted to get out of the way, and let the music transport listeners into the presence and worship of God. The title of this CD is most appropriate--WORSHIP is achieved!

Bottom-line: This is a masterful live worship album, containing many of the songs that have become standards in contemporary-style services. It is beautiful and versatile. What a joy to hear and sing to!

Recorded live in Lakeland, Florida at a worship service, this recording reveals the presence of God. The Lord Himself has annointed the songs, the musicians, and the sincere praise and worship of these believers in a powerful way.

Michael W. Smith is a gifted musician and has written wonderful worship music in the past. But the collaboration of Gerond Davis, Amy Grant, Out of Eden, Philips Craig and Dean and others, combined with live praise and worship, has created a very special musical experience.

Don't be alarmed when you are playing this at home or in your car, and you're singing along to these wonderful songs, and the Spirit of the Lord begins to fall and you find yourself praising the most high God, long and loudly.

Let it Rain!!

This is an excellent collection of songs recorded live at Carpenter's Home Church in Florida. Grammy winner Michael W. Smith has produced another wonderful album with a variety of inspirational songs and arrangements, some written by Michael and some written by other artists including the late Rich Mullins. Two bonus tracks are also on this CD. Michael's previous album, an instrumental called Freedom, was a fresh and completely different direction for him, and this new Worship album brings back his unique vocal skills. It is obvious to this listener that his heart and soul are in this music. A great album for all members of the family.

I can't believe anyone could call Michael W. Smith's performance on this CD "flat".

I love his voice and there are several songs on this CD that absolutely give me chill bumps with emotion (especially Agnus Dei).

If you like Michael W. Smith, do NOT miss this incredible CD.