Martin Smith - God's Great Dance Floor - Step 02
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God's Great Dance Floor - Step 02
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Album
Released:
30 Sep 2013
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Review
Following up his full-length debut solo album, former Delirious lead singer Martin Smith returns with the second installment of his new songs in the shape of 'God's Great Dance Floor - Step 2'. Featuring songs originally from his EP3 and EP4 mini albums, but now with a little extra studio sparkle, combined with three previously unreleased tracks, this 11 song album features co-writes with fellow worship leaders including Matt Redman, Tim Hughes and Reuben Morgan.
Solemn opening track 'You Are My Salvation' has a prominent funky drum machine beat and soft atmospheric synth sounds in the background as Martin's warm vocals...
Read More Following up his full-length debut solo album, former Delirious lead singer Martin Smith returns with the second installment of his new songs in the shape of 'God's Great Dance Floor - Step 2'. Featuring songs originally from his EP3 and EP4 mini albums, but now with a little extra studio sparkle, combined with three previously unreleased tracks, this 11 song album features co-writes with fellow worship leaders including Matt Redman, Tim Hughes and Reuben Morgan.
Solemn opening track 'You Are My Salvation' has a prominent funky drum machine beat and soft atmospheric synth sounds in the background as Martin's warm vocals earnestly sing the words. "Hold me, love me, Holy One. I was born for Your kingdom come. You are my salvation. Only You can save us." Gradually the tone and tempo builds, the drums become deeper, and extra instruments are added to the mix. The beautiful strings are given a chance to become more quirky, the guitars and drums start to soar, and the chorus repeats to dramatic effect.
The second of the album's brand new songs, 'Emmanuel' immediately grabs the attention with its funky riffs and catchy lyrics. "You are here, You are here, Emmanuel. You will stand by our side." In the chorus Martin is joined, briefly, by a gang of voices every time he sings "Emmanuel", providing instant emphasis on the subject of the song. Again, this is musically brilliant, with all the instruments given the chance to shine.
Beginning with that modern-dance track sound and some trendy Woah-oh-oh's reminiscent of a boyband, 'Only Got Eyes' is another highly contemporary worship track, more at home on the dance floor than in the pews. "I've only got eyes for You and ever since Your love broke through, I've only got these eyes for you".
Another song on the album previously unreleased is 'Great Is Your Faithfulness'. Despite its acoustic opening, it soon starts to rock with full on guitars and drums. This is not a modern rendition of the Hymn of the same name, although at times lyrically it doesn't stray too far from the same message. "Great is Your faithfulness, through the years you've always been there."
Opening as a piano-ballad, 'Song Of Solomon' is emotional and intimate. "Over the mountains, over the sea, here you come running, my lover to me". There's an incredible fragility and beauty to the song, with its simple musical backing and Martin's voice emitting a spine-tingling sensation. Around the mid-point the song almost comes to a halt, slowing down before relaunching as the electric guitars break out, the drums strengthen, and a waterfall of sound pours out. As all the pent up emotion comes streaming out, this electrifying song has to be heard to be believed. In a similar fashion, 'Grace' is another piano-led song and as strings are slowly introduced into the track, the sound builds up with rolling percussion and a crashing gong providing wonderful drama.
'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.
Gradually becoming a modern classic worship anthem, title track 'God's Great Dance Floor' has become a firm favourite in co-writer Chris Tomlin's own live sets lately after its inclusion in his chart-topping album. In this version, Martin is joined on vocals by his clearly talented daughter Elle-Anna. Full throttle trumpets, dance beats and club style electro sounds make this an uber-upbeat musical extravaganza. "I feel alive, I come alive, I am alive on God's Great Dance Floor" Martin sings in full flow.
'Keep The Faith' opens with an up-tempo drum beat and some echoey vocals from Martin accompanied by a few floaty riffs, before we move on to one of the true gems on this album. 'God Is Coming' is a song Martin co-wrote with worship leader Tim Hughes, and mixes their combined songwriting strength with a rousing sound and infectious chorus. "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." Later Sarah Bird's warm and emotive guest vocals take on a verse, gently echoed at times by Martin in the background. It's a worship song that has so much going on musically and so much passion that you feel compelled to join in.
Fans of Delirious may remember the song 'There Is An Angel', which Martin first wrote some 12 years ago about his wife Anna. Now given a new lease of life as just 'Angel (song for Anna)', this stunning piano ballad has brand new verses but retains it's original and powerful chorus: "There is an angel, and she's watching over me." Hauntingly beautiful, the song relies mainly on just a piano backing until the final couple of minutes when a crashing drum beat and electric guitar riff takes the volume up several notches. The final chorus with all the instruments playing in the background is easily enough to get the hairs on your neck standing up.
Packed full of soaring anthems, worship ballads and deeply personal inspiration, Martin Smith once again delivers a truly outstanding and exciting album.
Review by Dave Wood
LTTM Rating 5 Out of 5 Stars
Standout Tracks
God's Great Dance Floor
God Is Coming
Emmanuel Video
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Taken from Martin Smith's second full-length solo album, 'God's Great Dance Floor - Step 02', here is the video to opening track 'You Are My Salvation'.
