Ultimate Music Makeover: The Songs of Michael W. Smith

Description

Ultimate Music Makeover: The Songs of Michael W. Smith is a multi-artist compilation featuring covers of ten songs written by the American singer, songwriter, and keyboardist Michael W. Smith, released on Rocketown Records in August 2005.

When Rocketown Records first announced this one I feared the worst. So many “tribute” albums turn out to be tired or contrived and the thought of a bunch of Nashville CCM talents rading the songbook of Michael Whitaker Smith didn’t sound like the kind of formulae likely to produce a pop music classic. So it is with considerable eating of humble pie that I identify this as one of the best various artists albums I’ve heard for many a long year. Cross Rhythms radio listeners are currently enjoying the full tilt rock guitar overhaul of «Lamu» by Taylor Sorensen and the goodies don’t stop there. The David Crowder Band do a wonderful version of «Secret Ambition» complete with marvelously ricocheting electronic percussion; Tiffany Arbuckle (you know her as Plumb) brings her tender-voiced poignancy to a fast tempo’d version of «Pray For Me»; Sarah Kelly offers edge and attitude to «You Need A Saviour»; and «Missing Person» has never sounded better than given a gutsy rock overhaul from Tree63. There are some surprises too – Michael’s son offers a credible version of «The Race Is On» while Stryper belt into that cheesy favourite «Friends» like it had been written to get stadia of headbangers raising their lighters aloft. Great songs, imaginatively performed. [Tony Cummings, Cross Rhythms, January 2006]

‘The Ultimate Makeover: The Songs of Michael W. Smith’ is an album that features many of today’s modern artists offering their version of class MWS hits. I am not a big fan of tribute albums. I might get a track of two that I like, but I am a firm believer in the fact that the original music is always better. That is the way it is supposed to be, right? If it ain’t broken, why try to fix it? And my first listens did nothing to change my opinion.

However, ‘Ultimate Makeover’ has proven to be a very sneaky album. Once I let my preconceived notions drop and let the makeover take place, I find myself going back to many of these tracks for my own listening enjoyment. This tribute isn’t so bad.

A reunion of All Star United can only be a good thing, Ian Eskelin is a much overlooked talent. «Go West Young Man» is pop rock fun with a ton of finesse and energy draws you headlong into this project. Sarah Kelly’s offers up a cranking take on «You Need A Saviour» next. Shaun Groves cover of «Rocketown» is a standout track here. Double timing it from the get-go, Groves brings this one into the 21st century big time while remaining faithful to the original. Much the same can be said of David Crowder’s «Secret Ambition». Stryper’s approaches the sacred territory of «Friends» and comes away a real winner.

MWS must be the proud papa upon hearing son Ryan’s version of «The Race Is On». It is one of my favorites. Subtle, steady 4/4 rock is a touch of country, there is a uniqueness to Ryan’s voice that brings me back time after time. Tracks by Plumb, Taylor Sorensen, Tree63, and Todd Agnew round out the slate here.

If there is anyone who deserves this tribute, it is Michael W. Smith. From Amy Grant‘s opening act to Top 40 hits to becoming a groundbreaker of modern worship, he is one of the Christian community leaders. [Bob Felberg, The Phantom Tollbooth, 9/18/2005]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/ultimate-music-makeover-the-songs-of-michael-w-smith/79487308)

CD tracklist:

01. All-Star United – Go West Young Man – 3:13
02. Sarah Kelly – You Need a Saviour – 2:41
03. Shaun Groves – Rocketown – 4:01
04. David Crowder Band – Secret Ambition – 5:13
05. Plumb – Pray for Me – 3:36
06. Ryan Smith – The Race Is On – 4:00
07. Taylor Sorensen – Lamu – 5:12
08. Tree63 – Missing Person – 6:07
09. Todd Agnew – On the Other Side – 3:48
10. Stryper – Friends – 3:49