Stand CD

On his 19th studio album, Michael W. Smith for the first time turned the production reins over to veteran studio wiz Matt Bronleewe, and much of the writing duties to budding superstar Leeland Mooring and long time friend Amy Grant. The result is a fresh batch of beautiful melodies and strong sentiments, calling listeners to stand up for what they believe. Smith's unmistakable voice and passion shine on "Be Lifted High," "Escape Your Love," "Cover Me," and more.

Renaissance man Michael W. Smith, whose accomplishments include no less than a dozen books, more than two dozen CDs and DVDs, over three dozen GMA Music Awards, multiple Grammy® Awards, a starring role in a major motion picture and more No. 1 radio hits than you could count even if you took your shoes off, not to mention his leadership role at Rocketown Records or his philanthropic work with DATA and Compassion International, has just delivered his most satisfying album since 1990’s Go West Young Man.

Stand marks Smith as something of a cross between Sting and Bono. But where those artists’ recent projects might celebrate a certain enlightened spirituality, with Stand, Smith points his pen squarely at the core of Christianity. This is an album that explores the basic tenets of the faith with childlike simplicity; but, like the parables of Christ, there are plenty of layers in this music that will satisfy diggers who relish exploring beneath the surface to find nuggets of truth.

While Smith has long been known as something of a perfectionist in the industry, he has never been a prima donna, frequently turning to friends and colleagues for songs. But Stand may be the most collaborative project of his career. On the poignant, melancholy, piano ballad “How to Say Goodbye,” he shares co-writing credit with superstar Amy Grant. Delirious front man Martin Smith’s influence on the humble worship song “Grace” is more than evident. He even covers the classic Keith Green tune “Oh Lord, You’re Beautiful” in a gorgeously orchestrated version that, at two and a half minutes long, is two minutes too short. Most prominent are the contributions by 18-year-old rising star Leeland Mooring, whose name is on more than half the songs on Stand.

Stand ranges from pure pop radio candy to cinematic film score-like arrangements. Filled with masterful, Jim Brickman-esque piano interpretations and nuanced Sting-like vocal turns, Smith successfully skirts the border between the worship and pop genres. The result is an album that might best be described simply as modern Christian music.

MIKE PARKER- CCMMagazine.com

Average Rating:

6 of 6 Reviews Showing:

Reviewed by Trisha (Hampton, NH), April 12, 2007

Awesome CD. Played it recently for our home worship/prayer group. What a blessing! I especially love "Grace" it's simply beautiful... Where would we be without His incredible Grace! Thank you, Michael.

Reviewed by Sandor (Hungary), December 29, 2006

For more than 25 years after his recommitting to Christ Michael is a brandname in CCM. Is a great gift for us in Hungary this new CD. We use to sing in our church a lot of his tracks in Hungarian. What is substantial in music is not the rhythm, is not the melody itself. What really matters is the anointing. And Michael's tracks have it - no matter what style he uses, plays with accompaniment or alone unplugged - it's a great blessing. Thankx Michael and God bless you!

Reviewed by Valerie (Milwaukee, WI), December 15, 2006

I love this CD! I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Smith in concert this past summer and this man has a renewed faith! It was all about God and not about him! This is his classic MWS sound with it all directed towards God! Come To The Cross encouraged anyone and everyone to come to Jesus and the Cross! Be Lifted High is all about Jesus! If your a Smitty fan, this is a must have!

Reviewed by A Teen's Review (Somewhere in the USA....), December 06, 2006

Hey, why does everyone give this cd such lousy reviews? I LOVE it!! Its GREAT! Esp. In Silence, Come To The Cross, Escape Your Love, Open Arms & The Stand. The only one I'm not real fond of is Cover Me and Grace. The rest are awesome. Buy it!! :-)

Reviewed by Eniko (Hungary), November 16, 2006

I think it is not his best album, but I love it mainly because of its lyrics. Deep lyrics which brings you closer to God. Good work!

Reviewed by belinda chadd (australia), November 09, 2006

I think that this awesome album. Smitty is an awesome singer and I am sure that this album will touch people hearts and even do some healing in their lives and will make people understand that now is the time to make a stand for and tell everyone that we love Jesus and that he loves us to. If this is the first Smitty album you get just go and get it. Smitty is so awesome and all his fans love him and what they love most about Smitty is how much he loves the Lord and people just like Jesus did.

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