Martin Smith - God's Great Dance Floor - Movement Three
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Title:
God's Great Dance Floor - Movement Three
Type:
Album
Released:
01 Oct 2012
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Review
In the third of his four solo EPs, Martin Smith continues with another four songs written over the past few years since the closure of Delirious. Working alongside fellow songwriters like Tim Hughes and Nick Herbert, the songs on 'God's Great Dance Floor - Movement Three' are worship focused, and as musically creative as anything he has produced so far.
Opening track 'Redemption Day' begins with an atmospheric synthesizer jingle as guitars and drums join in. Martin's vocals emerge, strong and laced with effects and reverb. "What a mystery that we turned our backs on the greatest love this world has...
Read More In the third of his four solo EPs, Martin Smith continues with another four songs written over the past few years since the closure of Delirious. Working alongside fellow songwriters like Tim Hughes and Nick Herbert, the songs on 'God's Great Dance Floor - Movement Three' are worship focused, and as musically creative as anything he has produced so far.
Opening track 'Redemption Day' begins with an atmospheric synthesizer jingle as guitars and drums join in. Martin's vocals emerge, strong and laced with effects and reverb. "What a mystery that we turned our backs on the greatest love this world has ever seen." Later in the song he is joined by a choir for the chorus as the voices declare "We'll be standing, on Redemption Day." The guitars and echoey "oh ohhh oh's" are reminiscent of U2 from the early days and throughout the song distortion blends the vocals and instruments into a moody tone.
'God Is Coming' is a song Martin co-wrote with worship leader Tim Hughes, and Tim's fans will remember the song from his 'Love Shine Through' album, which incidentally Martin also produced. "For my God is coming, we can hear the heaven's roar. Hold on, get ready for the glory of the Lord". You can feel the tension rise as the infectious chorus arrives. "Yes our God is the God who saves, here You come to light up the darkness, forever glorious, Yes our God is the God who saves." It's the stand out lyric of the EP, sure to stick inside your head for hours after listening.
A few glockenspiel notes are included in the mix of this lyrically exquisite song, and later Sarah Bird's warm and emotive vocals take on a verse, gently echoed at times by Martin in the background. The drums are also hugely noteworthy here, building up and keeping a crashing rhythm going. Those who had the privileged of being at Martin's first solo concert in Brighton will no doubt remember just how strong this song is live, with a crowd ecstatically singing along with the congregational friendly lyrics, and this studio version loses none of that passion. An absolute gem of a worship anthem.
Martin recently described 'Song Of Solomon' as "one of the most intimate songs I've ever written". Opening in that piano-ballad style, Martin emotionally sings, "Beauty wrap your arms around me, sing your song of kindness, I need you". You can easily see why he describes it as intimate. "Over the mountains, over the sea, here you come running, my lover to me".
After a couple of minutes of just a simple piano backing, a little warmth is added into the mix with a gentle beat and subtle bass, expertly played to emphasise the words with just the right tone. At the mid way point the song drops back to just the piano as Martin repeats "I'll come running back to you". This is the cue for the electric guitars to break out, the drums to strengthen, and a waterfall of sound to pour down. As all the pent up emotion comes streaming out, this is just an electrifying song that has to be heard to be believed.
The beautiful piano playing continues in final track 'Grace'. "I'm a fool but still you love, I'll be a fool for the King of love", more clever lyrics with perhaps a nod to the old Delirious song, 'King of Fools'? The vocals are quietly echoed in the background, but this is a simple song, nothing flash, just a singer alone with his lyrics. As strings are introduced into the track, the sound builds up with rolling percussion and a crashing gong providing wonderful drama to finish this excellent EP.
With two upbeat tracks and two more reflective, piano led tracks, Martin has produced another top quality EP filled with his trademark sound.
Review by Dave Wood
LTTM Rating 5 Out of 5 Stars
Standout Tracks
God Is Coming
Song Of Solomon Articles
Martin Smith, formerly lead singer of British band Delirious, releases his third solo EP today, 1st October 2012. 'God's Great Dance Floor - Movement Three' features four new tracks from the well known singer, including tracks he…
Former Delirious front man Martin Smith will release his third solo EP on 1st October 2012. Like it's two predecessors, 'God's Great Dance Floor - Movement Three' features four tracks, and includes co-writes with Worship…
