Louder Than The Music

Michael W Smith - Worship Forever

Artist:

Michael W Smith

Title:

Worship Forever

Type:

Album

Released:

10 Sep 2021

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Review

Iconic multi-platinum, singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith has released his re-recording of his #1 highest-selling album of all time, Worship, in honor of the 20th anniversary of the album’s release.

At first I have to admit when I read about this, why? Do we really need a rerecording of such a great 2001 release? And for all my cynicism, after hearing the new epic version of the track 'Forever', the answer is a resounding Yes.

Worship Forever was recorded in front of a live audience at Allen Arena on July 12, 2021 in Nashville, TN. Joining Michael on-stage for this special...
Read More Iconic multi-platinum, singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith has released his re-recording of his #1 highest-selling album of all time, Worship, in honor of the 20th anniversary of the album’s release.

At first I have to admit when I read about this, why? Do we really need a rerecording of such a great 2001 release? And for all my cynicism, after hearing the new epic version of the track 'Forever', the answer is a resounding Yes.

Worship Forever was recorded in front of a live audience at Allen Arena on July 12, 2021 in Nashville, TN. Joining Michael on-stage for this special recording were friends: Amy Grant, Matt Redman, Tauren Wells. Originally released on September 11, 2001, Worship offered hope during a time of despair and mourning.

At the time of release in 2001 this album was so important, it really was, and due to how the world looked at the time it felt like it was saying so much and was needed, yet in 2021 I still feel some of the songs really are as important if not more so.

What Michael has done with this rerecording is add some layers of class to the tracks, the heart of the songs are still the same but the orchestral arrangements on this recording are something special and add a new level in 2021 I wasn't expecting that from these songs. On this release there are a few songs that have been lost in the ever moving forward world of Christian Music. I haven't heard the songs 'Above All' and 'Draw me Close' probably for 20 years and it's bizarre what music can do as with the latter song I can hear my own father's voice singing that song, he really liked that song and sadly he passed away 5 years ago. So just hearing that again for me brought so many amazing memories back.

Not that this is an album about memories per say, this album is about God. This is an album about Worship and Worshipping God forever. Christian Music and its sound might have changed and moved forward yet the heart of Worship is still the same as it was 20 years ago or even 2000 years ago. And I think that is what I take from the rerecording of this album, that no matter when a song was recorded or even sounds like, if the song is pushing the worshipper closer to God then it's doing it's job.

If you had this album first time round, I do encourage you to still have a listen to this rerecording as it's really good. It still has the same power, the same heart and the same passion as the original, yet each song has been given a great big makeover that really adds an extra dimension of class.

Review By Jono Davies

LTTM Rating 5 Out of 5 Stars
Standout Tracks
Heart Of Worship
Let It Rain
Forever

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Michael W Smith - Worship Forever

Our Featured Album of the week is 'Worship Forver' from the legendary Michael W Smith.Title:Worship ForeverArtist:Michael W SmithReleased:10 Sep 2021Review: Iconic multi-platinum, singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith has…