Few names in Christian music carry the same weight and legacy as Michael W. Smith. For more than forty years, he has written songs that have influenced the faith journeys of millions, from iconic hits like “Friends” and “Place in This World” to modern worship anthems such as “Waymaker” and “Agnus Dei.” Spanning genres like pop, rock, cinematic instrumentals, and worship, Smith continues to craft music that is both innovative and deeply rooted in Scripture.
Recently, he has released new singles signaling a fresh season of creativity, while also mentoring a younger generation of artists. We sat down with Michael to discuss his latest songs, his upcoming album, the importance of humility in ministry, and how he hopes people will pray for him in this next chapter.
You’ve released two new singles recently—songs that feel fresh yet familiar to longtime fans. Can you tell us about them?
They just fell out of the sky. There was no grand scheme—I’ve never tried to write for a particular genre. Some days I’m writing a worship song, some days it’s cinematic music, and other days it’s infectious pop. This past year, I’ve been in a pop mode, constantly getting little downloads of songs. “Arms Around the Sun” and “Your Love Is a Flood” are part of that.
Up-tempo songs have always been harder for me to write, so when they come, I get excited. I already have seven of them recorded. Honestly, after all these years, I’ll still have dry spells where I think, “It’s over. Thank you, God, for four decades of music.” And then, suddenly, the songs came back. That’s what happened about 10 months ago.
"Your Love Is a Flood" is already becoming a fan favorite. What’s the story behind it?
I wrote most of that song five years ago—the verse and chorus—and it just sat there in my “incubator.” I kept coming back to it, wondering why I hadn’t finished it.
I was working with songwriter Jason Walker on a lot of lyrics for this project, so I sent them to him. I said, “I can’t shake this one.” Five days later, he sent me new lyrics that captured my heart—talking about the grace and love of God in a fresh way.
That’s when I got excited. I put on my crazy pop hat and wrote a new bridge with an arpeggiator. Then my son Tyler added this massive orchestration. I stacked my vocals in a Jacob Collier-inspired way, almost Freddie Mercury-like. By the end, we had this cinematic John Williams-style finale with orchestra and French horns. It’s full of surprises, which I love.
We even performed it on tour in Europe, and it was electrifying. There’s also a new live video coming soon with a 400-voice choir and 15,000 people singing along.
Speaking of the tour, what can fans expect from your upcoming shows?
Incorporating new songs is always exciting for me, but I know people come to hear their favorites—"Friends,” “Place in This World,” “Waymaker,” and “Agnus Dei.” So it’s about balance. On the recent European tour, we did four new songs, and nobody seemed to mind.
I also love reimagining classics. For example, I rearranged *Breathe* a year and a half ago, and now it feels like a brand-new song, even though it first came out in 2001. I’m always trying to give songs new life.
You’ve also collaborated with younger artists—recently with for KING & COUNTRY and Phil Wickham. What do those moments mean to you?
I love collaboration. When for KING & COUNTRY members Joel and Luke called about doing “Place in This World” at the K-LOVE Fan Awards, I immediately said yes. Similarly, contemporary artist Phil Wickham asked me to be part of “What an Awesome God.”
On a deeper level, mentoring is a big part of my calling now. Many younger artists ask me how I managed to survive success, keep my family together, and stay grounded. I share both my successes and my failures. I’ve been married 44 years, I have a big family and grandkids—but you can’t be gone 250 days a year and expect that to work.
The first piece of advice I always give is: “It’s not about you.” That’s crucial. Artists get so much attention, but as my friend Michael Olson once said to me, “God doesn’t share His glory with anyone.” Every night before I step on stage, I pray: “Lord, clothe me with humility. Let my posture be beautiful before You.” That’s how I try to keep the focus on Him, not me.
Tell us about your upcoming project. What’s the vision behind it?
I thought it would be out this fall, but it’s not ready yet. For the first time, I’ve been releasing singles instead of waiting for a full album. "Arms Around the Sun" came first, then “Your Love Is a Flood,” and another single will probably come out in September.
I’m still finishing the whole record with producers Ted T. (who’s done fantastic work with for KING & COUNTRY) and Brian Todd. It probably won’t come out until 2026, but I think it’s exceptional.
Right now, the songs are leaning toward infectious pop, though there will also be some worship songs—hopefully fresh expressions. I think about Psalm 96: “Sing to the Lord a new song.” What does that mean today? I want to write something that feels genuinely new, not for novelty’s sake, but because God is still inspiring new expressions of worship.
Finally, how can we be praying for you in this season?
Thank you for asking—I love when people pray for me. The main thing is that I can still be. Life moves so fast in America, and I don’t think it’s healthy.
One of my heroes, author Chuck Swindoll, wrote a little book called “Intimacy with the Almighty.” It’s about solitude, reflection, and slowing down. That’s something I must fight for. If I don’t turn my phone off and step away, I can get through an entire day without spending real time with the Lord.
For me, that “closet” is my farm. For others, it could be a park. But wherever it is, I believe solitude with God is the key to a healthy spiritual life. So, pray that I continue to fight for that space and stay close to Him.
Closing Thoughts
Even after more than 40 years, Michael W. Smith continues to inspire through his music and ministry. With new songs that convey joy, creativity, and worship—and with wisdom that guides artists and fans alike back to Christ—his journey reminds us that the best posture is always humility before the Lord.
This interview was transcribed and edited with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI product developed by OpenAI.
Bradden Ford is a Christian music junkie charged with maintaining NewReleaseToday's new release database of artists and releases. He lives just outside of Nashville, Tennessee.
NEW!BEHIND THE SONG
#1296 - Mary-Clair
A candid conversation about faith, vulnerability, and finding God
ADVERTISEMENT
NEW!MOVIE REVIEW Miracle
NRT reviews the new movie after attending the premiere
NEW!SERIES REVIEW
A Night At Wingfeather
We attended the show's premiere of the Angel Studios animated show
NEW!NRT LISTS
Worship Into 2026
Standout new worship releases that invite the Church to sing and reflect
NEW!THE CHH DROP
#261 - Gavin the Hotrod
What's new this week in Christian rap and hip-hop
