Description
Wonder is a studio album by the American singer, songwriter, and keyboardist Michael W. Smith, released on Reunion Records in September 2010, distributed in the US by Provident-Integrity Distribution and BMG Music Entertainment. The album was recorded at Emack Studios and Wildwood Recording in Franklin and at Quad Studios in Nashville, Tennessee; with Bryan Lenox and Michael W. Smith producing. Wonder peaked at No. 2 on the Top Christian Albums chart, and No. 26 on the Billboard 200.
Okay, let’s start with this: those of you who are die-hard fans of MWS will be saying “I told you so” to all of the hold outs in your life. Those of you who fall into the hold out category will begrudgingly have to agree with MWS groupies. You won’t want to, but you’re going to find yourself enjoying and appreciating this album. If you’re reading this, you likely haven’t heard this album yet, but you should give it a chance.
I’m giving away my age a bit but I remember when MWS first became a big Christian recording star. He has been a staple in Christian music forever but I’ve never given into the masses; where I come form it’s not “cool” to like Michael W. Smith. But dang it if he didn’t brance out and reinvent himself and reach yet another audience. And he’s done this in a way that doesn’t seem totally contrived, but is maybe peeling back another layer and revealing more of himself. This album reflects, drives, inspires and dwells.
Once you realize that you’re listening to him, you’ll recognize his distinctive voice, but it’s all but hidden in a rougher, more gravelly presentation. His Southern exposure comes through his voice at long last and it’s more “down home” than we’ve heard before. He has been working with a new band and it’s evident that he’s been encouraged to try new things vocally. He has added some new layers to the tone and color of his vocals that on previous releases was all too characteristic. I hear a little Springsteen influence here too, which is always welcome.
The track «Welcome Home» about letting someone go in death, is personal (written about a family member) and is such a comfort through a time so easily overshadowed by grief. He has let us into his heart, trouble and hope in Christ. This is a good mixture of worship songs to the Lord as well as songs written to and about his family, including his wife on «Forever Yours». I appreciate his vulnerability. [Heidi Todd, Worship Musician Magazine, September/October 2010, Vol 8, Iss. 5]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/wonder/392684296)
CD tracklist:
01. Save Me from Myself – 3:39
02. Take My Breath Away – 4:09
03. Run to You – 4:54
04. I’ll Wait for You – 5:14
05. Forever Yours – 3:54
06. Welcome Home – 4:30
07. Wonder (Not Far Away) – 3:47
08. Rise – 5:07
09. You Belong to Me – 3:42
10. Leave – 3:29
11. One More Time – 5:48
12. Take Me Over – 5:39
“I’ll Wait for You” / “Save Me from Myself” (MUSIC VIDEOS)
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