Jesusfreakhideout.com Music News, November 2008: MICHAEL W. SMITH’S A NEW HALLELUJAH DEBUTS AT NO. 1

MICHAEL W. SMITH’S A NEW HALLELUJAH DEBUTS AT NO. 1

ACCOMPANYING DVD WILL RELEASE ON MARCH 17, 2009

NEWS SOURCE: Provident Label Group
November 5, 2008

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) November 5, 2008 – Michael W. Smith’s 21st album A New Hallelujah (10/28) debuted at No.1 on the Nielsen SoundScan Christian Albums Chart with more than 23,000 in first week sales. On March 17, 2009, Smith will unveil an accompanying DVD of the moving worship event.

The album, recorded live in Houston on June 20 before an audience of more than 12,000, is receiving incredible reviews by media outlets such as Billboard Magazine who says, “The veteran artist raised the bar yet again with A New Hallelujah…”

Additional reviews and quotes supporting this sentiment include:

There’s something magical that takes place when Smitty gets behind the keyboard and leads people in corporate worship. A New Hallelujah solidifies the fact that Smith was born to be a worship leader. As one of Christian music’s most beloved artists, he continues to draw people closer to the One he lifts up through his music.
- Lindsay Williams, Editor, CCM Magazine

With all the skill of a veteran artist and the passion of a music minister, Smith has blessed the church once again with A New Hallelujah. This release is everything that modern worship offerings need to be: authentic, inspiring and Christ centered. Michael W. Smith is a worship leader.
- Phil Sillas, Managing Editor, Song Discovery

It’s obvious that Smitty’s heart lies with worship leading these days, and he’s extremely good at it as anyone who’s attended Gospel Music Week already knows. The millions who were blessed by his first Worship project years ago will be equally affected by A New Hallelujah.
- Russ Breimeier, ChristianityToday.com

I couldn’t help but find myself worshiping while listening. You’ll want to listen straight through to get the whole experience. … Overall, this is a yet another strong worship release from the seasoned veteran. … Those trying to break into the overpopulated worship genre by bringing the typical fare should use this as a “How To” guide in doing it right.
- Matt Johnson, Jesusfreakhideout.com

A New Hallelujah, Michael W. Smith’s latest offering, and third worship album, features The African Children’s Choir, 2008 GRAMMY Award-Winner, Israel Houghton and a 250-voice choir.

Smith’s first worship album, simply titled Worship, released on September 11, 2001, and has sold more than a-million-and-a half copies. It’s follow up Worship Again released September 19, 2002, and is nearing the 800,000 mark.

About Michael W. Smith
Michael W. Smith has amassed an impressive catalog of achievements. His 20 prior albums have garnered multiple honors including an American Music Award, 3 GRAMMY® Awards (from 13 nominations) and 42 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, and 33 No. 1 radio hits. In addition, he holds 16 Gold and 5 Platinum albums and career sales approaching 15 million.

Over his 25-year career, Smith has used his platform as a leader and acclaimed entertainer to serve, teach, and lead offstage. Constantly giving back to the community, one of his current projects is Rocketown -- a nightclub for teens in his hometown of Nashville, Tenn. -- which serves as a safe place for young people to enjoy music and for artists to be discovered. He is married to Debbie Smith and they are the proud parents of five children. For up-to-date information on Michael W. Smith, please visit www.michaelwsmith.com or www.reunionrecords.com.

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