Description
Worship Again is the second album of contemporary worship music by the American singer, songwriter, and keyboardist Michael W. Smith, released on Reunion Records in October 2002, distributed in the US by Provident Music Distribution. The album was recorded live before an audience at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky; and was produced by Michael W. Smith. The album includes a cover of “I See You”, a song written by Rich Mullins and originally recorded on his 1991-album The World as Best as I Remember It, Volume One. “Lord Have Mercy” features vocals by Sarah McIntosh of Chasing Furies fame. The album was certified Gold (500,000 copies sold) by the RIAA in January 2003 and Platinum (one million copies sold) in November 2009.
The trendiness of the CCM world continues. The reigning flavors of the month are remix albums and worship albums. Thankfully, Michael W. Smith has not given in to the remix urge (at this writing). However, he has now released two worship CDs. His first one, entitled Worship, was an immediate success. And, as those who follow the music business know, when something does well, it must then be copied, and albums that are similar soon follow. This explains the plethora of O Brother Where Art Thou? ripoffs in the last year, and it also provides a rationale for the new MWS album, Worship Again.
Recorded live at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY (except for the last three tracks), Worship Again is Smith on vocals and piano, accompanied by some wonderful musicians. Smith’s voice is consistent from album to album, very distinctive when singing at a normal volume within a low range, he is fine. When straining to reach a higher note, or sing at a louder volume, it takes on a reedy quality much like distortion from the speakers on an old radio tuner. This is never more apparent than on the Rich Mullins tunes he covers here «Step By Step» and «I See You». Mullins’ music should never be forgotten, but I am starting to wonder if anyone other than Mitch McVicker should perform it in concert.
Chris Tomlin’s «The Wonderful Cross» is a highlight, and «Here I Am to Worship» by Tim Hughes is faithful to the original. Ironically, Smith’s original tunes seem to be the weakest to me. «Forever We Will Sing» and «I Can Hear Your Voice» are repetitive, and fail to draw the listener in.
Worship albums often fall short for one reason: The experience of worshipping God is an amazing, moving activity that elevates the spirits of its participants that same feeling is difficult to convey on a CD. This is not Smith’s fault it just is what it is. Worship Again has that same tendency. If you disagree with that, or are a devoted MWS fan, pick this up. [Brian A. Smith, The Phantom Tollbooth, 15 December 2002]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/worship-again/303182370)
CD tracklist:
01. Step By Step/Forever We Will Sing – 6:22
02. You Are the Lord – 4:16
03. The Wonderful Cross – 6:21
04. Ancient Words – 4:36
05. Lord Have Mercy (feat. Sarah McIntosh) – 5:15
06. The Sacred Romance (Instrumental) – 1:45
07. I Can Hear Your Voice – 3:33
08. I Give You My Heart – 3:25
09. There Is None Like You – 2:09
10. I See You – 6:56
11. You Are Holy (Prince of Peace) – 6:07
Studio Cuts:
12. Lord Have Mercy (feat. Amy Grant) – 4:25
13. Here I Am to Worship – 4:58
Bonus Track:
14. There She Stands – 4:04
Note: Re-issued as a DualDisc in 2005.
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