I was privileged to see one of the final shows on the spring leg of Michael W. Smith's Kingdom Come Tour. As of writing, the tour is wrapping up its final shows, with the Christian music veteran poised to release his brand-new studio album (the first in quite a few years), hopefully around September 2026. He says it would've been out sooner, but he just keeps writing songs for it. An encouraging update to what is sure to be a must-hear album of the fall.
I first saw Michael W. Smith, or Smitty, in concert about 30 years ago at Six Flags Great Adventure. Since I was around four or five years old, I don't remember much about the show, but I do remember it being quite enjoyable. It's been quite a long gap between Smitty shows, but somehow ole Smitty still makes you feel right at home, even all these years later.
Hits Across The Years
The night was fairly nicely divided, more or less, into a run of current hits and classics in the first half, and a worship set on the back end. With Smitty delving pretty heavily into the worship music scene these past 25 or so years, it's unsurprising that he'd devote a significant chunk of his sets to worship music. Songs like "Sky Spills Over" and "You Won't Let Go," which are now approaching "classic" status (how are they already over 10 years old?), make for great treats. New songs like "Arms Around The Sun" and "Kingdom Come" show that Michael W. Smith still knows how to write a banger.
Some of the night's highlights, however, came when Smitty broke out the old songs. The stuff I grew up on. "Secret Ambition" is always a welcome favorite, serving as one of the best songs ever written about Christ's crucifixion. For a song that's almost 40 years old, it still sounds amazing and brings a rocking energy to the night. Medleys of old favorites also gave the chance for a greater number of Smitty hits to cameo. Favorites like "Cross of Gold," "Love One Another," "Place in This World," and "Pray for Me" all made a welcome appearance. And of course, what Michael W. Smith setlist would be complete without featuring "Friends" in a prominent way?
Surrounded by Worship
Michael W. Smith has a natural earnestness that makes him well-suited for worship music. His soothing voice brings out the warmth of the songs, striking a balance between the intimacy of a church setting and the grandeur of a concert performance. Standards like "Waymaker," "Above All," "Draw Me Close," and Smitty's own "Angus Dei" made the worship portion of the evening a fitting and uplifting close to the night.
For someone about twice my age in the back half of his 60s, Michael W. Smith brings an energy and stage presence that is still baffling. Vocally, he still sounds amazing, and his exuberance puts singers decades his junior to shame. He has always been one of Christian music's most likable presences. Seeing his show feels like catching up with an old friend for coffee.
The show doesn't have all the cinematic bells and whistles that make some artists' live setlists must-see events, but Smitty makes up for it with a consistent stream of unmatched musical talent and a friendly, inviting presence. While his current tour has concluded, I would imagine he'll likely be on the road promoting the new album around its release. If you have a show in your area, it's definitely worth checking out. He might be in his fifth decade in Christian music, but Michael W. Smith again proves why he's one of the genre's most iconic artists.
J.J. Francesco is a longtime contributor to the NRT Staff. He's published the novel 'Because of Austin' and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community. His new novel, 'When Miracles Can Dream,' is out NOW!
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
