Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review




Michael W. Smith
Stand



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 11 tracks: 40 minutes, 1 second
Street Date: November 7, 2006


Following dual worship albums, a contemporary pop release, and his first shot at acting in a feature film, Michael W. Smith returns to music with a renewed vision for music with his nineteenth album, Stand. Smith has become somewhat of a staple in contemporary music and Stand is a daring attempt to break out of the mold from which Smith has created over the years. To accomplish this, Michael has enlisted help from the producing talents of Matt Bronleewe and has surrounded himself with some of the best songwriters, including young prodigy Leeland Mooring (from newcomers Leeland), Amy Grant, Martin Smith (from Delirious?), and even his wife and children (on "Come See"). The end result is a personal and intimate pop record with plenty of worshipful moments.

Stand gets off to a strong start with the piano-driven pop/rock vibe of the worship-minded "Cover Me." Smitty's vocals are visibly more raw and gritty, forsaking the polish and overproduction of a lot of CCM. Because of the album's more stripped-down appeal, Stand just might be this artist's most accessible record of his impressive career. "Open Arms" is a melodic call to action for believers to usher in the lost while "Come To The Cross" is an upbeat, anthemic invitation to find solace at the feet of Jesus. In fact, a lot of what Stand is about is calling Christians to action. "The Stand" and the theatrical heights of "Come See" and "In Silence" are energizing anthems for the church and strong album highlights that are liable to ignite the hearts of believers. But there are just as many tender and delicate moments as well, including the powerful and heartbreaking ballad "How To Say Goodbye," the thoughtful "Grace," and worshipful "Be Lifted High." Oddly enough, the record closes with a complete stylistic shift for the motown, Stevie Wonder throwback "Escape Your Love." Smith pulls off the task with class, however, despite the fact it doesn't necessarily fit with the rest of Stand. While an earlier version of the record ended with "Come See," giving the album a more profound finish musically and lyrically ("Come home / Come lay your burdens down / Come home / His arms are open..."), "Escape Your Love" leaves the listener on a much lighter note.

Stand marks a new chapter in Michael W. Smith's prestigious career. Fresh, creative, bold, and inspirational, Stand is the Michael W. Smith album many, including this particular reviewer, have been waiting for and is incidentally one of 2006's best pop offerings.

- Review date: 11/4/06, written by John DiBiase

CD

Buy This CD Online


. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: Reunion Records
. Album length: 11 tracks, 40 minutes and 1 second
. Street Date: November 7, 2006
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Cover Me
  2. Open Arms
  3. Come To The Cross
  4. How To Say Goodbye
  5. Be Lifted High
  6. Oh Lord, You're Beautiful
  7. Grace
  8. The Stand
  9. Come See
  10. In Silence
  11. Escape Your Love
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, November 19, 2024
SINGLES
Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)

This Wednesday, November 20, 2024
ALBUMS
1K Phew Let Go Let God: The EP [Reach]

SINGLES
Drew & Ellie Holcomb High Seas - Single [Magnolia]
Sleeping At Last Let It Snow - Single (independent)

This Thursday, November 21, 2024
ALBUMS
The Choir Translucent (independent)

SINGLES
Wilder Woods Curioso [Dualtone]

This Friday, November 22, 2024
ALBUMS
Coqui I'll Still Have Christmas Day - EP [DREAM]
for KING & COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE) [Curb]
The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down I Speak Jesus - Single [BEC]
99 APEX Find A Way Freestyle - Single [Syntax]
Cory Asbury You're Still The One - Single [BEC]
Ashes Remain Lost Light - Single [BEC]
Paul Baloche Angels We Have Heard On High/Glorious (feat. Sarah Kroger) - Single [Integrity]
Elan Brio Sun Rays - Single (independent)
Amy Jay And So It Goes - Single (independent)
Jericko Holy Ground - Single [Syntax]
Reece Lache' Energy - Single (independent)
Vic Lucas Presha - Single [Syntax]
Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
Vineyard Worship Royal Son - Single [Integrity]

VINYL
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]

Next Thursday, November 28, 2024
VINYL
Van Zant Always Look Up Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, November 29, 2024
ALBUMS
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) [Flatiron]
Thrive Worship Christmas, Vol. 2 - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
ICF Worship Light of the World - Single [Integrity]
Selah Glory Hallelujah (feat. Mike Weaver) - Single [Integrity]
Slow Salvation The Ghost of Christmas Past - Single [Velvet Blue]
Uche Agu, Revival Today Worship Medley of Hymns - Single [DREAM]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) Vinyl (Record Store Day Exclusive!) [Flatiron]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images