|
|
|
I'll Lead You Home | Posted November-15-2011
A strong, worshipful and Christ centered album from beginning to end. I really felt that this album showcased a lot of depth and growth for MWS as an artist and for the overall sound presented. It seemed like the release was targeted at a little older demographic as Michael is featured more as an adult and the album artwork wasn't so colorful and youth oriented. The songs also feature much more worshipful and introspective moods throughout. A great collection of music from one of CCM's top artists.
Comments (0) | Add Comment | Is This Review Helpful? Yes | No |
|
The Wonder Years (Disc 1 & 2) | Posted November-15-2011
This was a great limted edition release that featured an amazingly wide 35 song 2-Disc span of MWS music up to that point that came in a hardbound booklet and slipcase. Inside the booklet were pictures and commentary from MWS on many of the songs. This was a very sought after set for many years and a great collecible item.
Comments (0) | Add Comment | Is This Review Helpful? Yes | No |
|
The First Decade (1983-1993) | Posted November-15-2011
MWS first greatest hits compilation (outside of the live album released previously). This release did an ok job of capturing some of Michael's top songs, but also missed quite a few that were played heavily on CCM radio. The disc does contain 15 tracks which is a good volume of music, but it's always difficult trying to make a "greatest hits" album and really please many...especially with a popular artist who has had many of their songs played on the radio. In some ways it seems like this release was sent out for more of the casual listener and "The Wonder Years" package was released more for the serious fan who wanted a best of release much larger in scope along with some amazing extras!
Comments (0) | Add Comment | Is This Review Helpful? Yes | No |
|
Change Your World | Posted November-15-2011
This was the release that seemed to launch MWS into the position of CCM Superstar! (if there is such a thing) I remember working at Christian retail when this release came out and after selling what was easily hundreds of copies over months on both CD and cassette tape, we still couldn't keep it in stock or satisfy demand. Just like almost all of MWS releases up to this ponit, Amy Grant is featured on a song (Somewhere, Somehow) and features Michael continuing to do what he did best, providing upbeat CCM pop that was engaging and reached many.
Comments (0) | Add Comment | Is This Review Helpful? Yes | No |
|
Go West Young Man | Posted November-15-2011
I remember this album because it was the first time I saw MWS featured on the secular music video programs with his single "Place in This World". This is a great CCM pop album and showcased MWS doing what he did best. I have heard this release so many times over the years that it's hard to differentiate what the official singles were that got released for this album. A definite CCM classic.
Comments (0) | Add Comment | Is This Review Helpful? Yes | No |
|
Christmas | Posted November-15-2011
This Christmas release seemed very different from what MWS has released previously. This album moves away from the standard CCM sound and has more of a theatrical feel/sound overall with orchestra and choir. My first impressions were that it didn't remind me specifically of Christmas, but more of a Christian themed winter season release. It has consistently sold very well around the holidays and is a great addition to Michael's extensive catalog.
Comments (0) | Add Comment | Is This Review Helpful? Yes | No |
|
I 2 (EYE) | Posted November-15-2011
This release probably has the most variety of Michael's earlier works and seemed to focus a litlte more on guitar (rather than just straight keyboards) in relation to his earier works. The songs are very well done and showcased an increased depth in songwriting and a great pacing throughout. My favorite tracks are "Secret Ambition" and "Pray for Me".
Comments (0) | Add Comment | Is This Review Helpful? Yes | No |
|
The Live Set | Posted November-15-2011
A great collection of 12 songs performed live, bringing back the energy of Michael's concerts from early in his career. Highlighting on the first few albums, this release is a great flashback to this period in CCM and a good memory for anyone who attended any of those performances. The song choices were good and feature many of the CCM hits Michael had during this period.
Comments (0) | Add Comment | Is This Review Helpful? Yes | No |
|
The Big Picture | Posted November-15-2011
A landmark album for Michael and CCM in general. This album set new standards when it was released and at the time seemed to be one of the releases that showed Christian music did not need to have sub-standard production values, nor have to be mixed so all insrumentation was weak in the background so the vocals could stand way out front. I still love this album! Favorites are "Lamu" and "Rocketown". Truly a forever classic album for CCM.
Comments (0) | Add Comment | Is This Review Helpful? Yes | No |
|
Michael W. Smith 2 | Posted November-15-2011
So many memories of listening to hearing many of these songs on Christian radio back in the late 1980's. By today's standards, many of these songs will probably sound simple, but Michael was there creating music in a time when not many artists were providing Christ centered music in the Christian marketplace. This is a great nostalgic album. My favorite tracks are "Restless Heart" and "I Am Sure".
Comments (0) | Add Comment | Is This Review Helpful? Yes | No |
|
|
takamine0427's Music and Book Reviews 
