Freedom

Michael W. Smith

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 21, 2000)
• Original Release Date: November 21, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Reunion
• ASIN: B00005173R
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (97 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #22,721 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

One of Christian music's most celebrated artists, Michael W. Smith has thrown a surprise to the music industry with his 14th release, Freedom. After nearly two decades of awards, hit singles, and gold records, Smith set out to compose something that had been stirring within him for a long time: an instrumental album. Freedom's title track mixes the aggressiveness of a drum cadence, the innocence of a pennywhistle and the beauty of a soaring string section into a majestic and energized soundscape. Crested by a sensitive lead piano played by Michael himself, the majority of this disc is lushly endowed with stringed instruments that swoon with reminiscent sensation. These emotive textures also embrace a distinct British Isles influence that becomes danceable at times, and some classical orchestration that adds regality to the disc. The surprises within this endeavor are Smith's misty-eyed revisiting of the classic praise song "Thy Word," and the electronica-influenced "The Call," where Smith makes his only vocal appearance. We've had snapshots of Smith's instrumental gifts on albums past, but Freedom offers a deep long look into an aspect of Michael W. Smith's creativity that has until now been waiting to bloom fully. --Israel Button

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Journey with a truly gifted musician, November 24, 2000

By	Chris Bishop (Huntington, WV USA) - See all my reviews

I have been listening to Smitty's music for over 15 years, and I continually find myself moved and inspired by his God-given talents. When I heard he was putting together this instrumental collection, I was excited and intrigued by what the record would have to offer. He has called this record "the soundtrack to the movie in my mind." I would LOVE to see the movie! From first track to last, this CD paints a myriad of pictures in the mind each with its own unique set of emotions. The record uses a recurring musical theme in the pieces "Freedom," "Freedom Battle," and "Free Man" which represent the beginning, middle, and the end of the record. In between, we are treated to moving tracks like "The Call," "Carol Ann," "Prayer For Taylor," and a new treatment of an old classic, "Thy Word." Each piece of music opens up your heart and mind challenging you to go on a journey with the songwriter to these places that you have never seen. It is a chance to get to know Michael a little better in a new musical arena. This is a landmark piece of work from a very talented man, and I hope he continues to take on new challenges like this one in the future. I will certainly be along for the ride!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Movie in My Mind, January 2, 2001

By	[e-mail] (Indiana) - See all my reviews

Michael W. Smith's instrumental CD "Freedom" is a passionate display of his unending musical talents. I saw MWS during his Christmas 2000 tour where he opened the evening with "Hibernia," played "Freedom" and the very moving "Carol Ann"--obviously written for a young friend and mother who died in 2000--and he closed the evening with "The Call." Michael explained during the concert that doing an instrumental CD was something he's wanted to do for a long time. He has a passion for writing movie soundtracks in his head, and will this ever make you feel like you are living in a movie. I've felt many times that my life was playing out like a movie but with no music! Now I can listen and picture what Michael W. Smith is feeling in his movie. Gosh, I wish I knew what he was thinking as he wrote these selections; they are fantastic!

If you want a passionate, moving CD, this is the one--fast and slow songs with an interesting mix of orchestra and MWS's signature piano. What a great gift for friends and family!

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An inspirational and moving listening experience, November 24, 2000

By	"snowbyrd75" (Chicago Suburbs, IL, USA) - See all my reviews

For anyone who loves beautiful, moving music, this CD is a must. Also for anyone who has been a fan of Michael's insrumental pieces on some of his previous recording releases (with songs on them), I think this would be an enjoyable CD. I have listened to this CD several times now after purchasing it 2 days ago. A peaceful feeling comes over me as I listen, and sometimes a piece inspires me visually in my mind. It's as if certain pieces are telling a story. I have recently read somewhere in a Michael W. Smith interview (I'm sorry I do not recall where) that a few of the pieces of music on this cd were inspired by a soldier's story of his life on the battlefield in one of America's earlier wars. The music on a few of the songs/pieces reflects that theme in a beautiful way. I love this CD. I hope Michael W. Smith is encouraged to continue writing instrumental music, and I even believe if the right people hear this CD , he could easily be considered as someone to write music for film scores. A few of the songs/pieces on this CD sounded perfect for film music, in my opinion. I love this CD, and I plan to listen to it over and over again in the days to come. I think this would make a good gift also for anyone who enjoys peaceful instrumental music, such as Yanni's...and also some of the songs/pieces on this CD had an Irish/Celtic flair to them reminicent of the "Riverdance" music (Irish Dance Show music).All in all I recommend this CD highly, and I hope you do enjoy it, as I have.