One of contemporary Christian music’s most enduring and beloved artists, Michael W. Smith presents the highly anticipated instrumental follow-up to his 2000 RIAA Gold-selling album, Freedom. Titled 'Glory', the project, Smith’s 23rd career record, will be available at national retail outlets on Nov. 22.
Recorded with a 65-piece orchestra at London’s prestigious AIR Studios (Andrew Lloyd Webber, Peter Gabriel, Pirates of the Caribbean, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader”), Glory was arranged by Smith’s longtime friend David Hamilton and features a moving collection of original music. Included on the album, produced by Smith, are “Glory – The Overture,” “The Patriot,” “Heroes,” “Whitaker’s Wonder,” “Redemption,” “Atonement,” “The Romance,” “The Tribute” and a larger-than-life symphonic version of “Agnus Dei.”
Smith comments, “I’ve said many times that Freedom is my favorite record, so I’m very excited to be releasing my second instrumental record. I think the people that enjoyed Freedom will love this one; and I actually think some of the unique musical twists this project is taking will open it up to a whole new audience as well.”
On the inspiration for Glory, Smith notes, “When I work with an orchestra I feel like I’m in my element. I often think of the film ‘Chariots of Fire’ and the famous quote by the film’s hero Eric Liddell. He says, ‘when I run I feel His pleasure.’ This statement encompasses my experience when I work on instrumental music. When I’m able to see sweeping melodies and epic, cinematic songs come to fruition, it’s like I am offering a prayer to our Father in Heaven.”
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Awesome!| Posted November 17, 2011
Michael W. Smith is such a versatile artist going from pop to worship to this beautiful symphonic album. I have loved his first instrumental album, "Freedom", for years and I am anxiously awaiting my copy of "Glory!!"
Glory| Posted November 17, 2011
An excellent orchestral album in almost every respect. The arrangements, performances, recording etc...are all top notch. This release truly feels like a film score, with a good collection of majestic and powerful songs, mixed with quieter and very reflective pieces. The only negative thing I can think of (and it's not really so much negative but just an observation) is that I didn't find myself feeling worshipful or thinking about God so much when listening to this album. Once you remove vocals (that guide the listener along on a particular subject or topic) and get into all instrumental original pieces, there really isn't anything Christian or non-Christian per se and it's just music. It creates emotions and feelings but you can basically read into it whatever you want...similar to what Disney did with Fantasia. So for an all instrumental album of original works, a description of worshipful at times seems like it would be more individualistic. Some of the most beautiful music created was done all instrumentally for orchestra, AND WITH THE INTENT TO PRAISE GOD!, so it is great that music like this is still being created. MWS definitely crafted a beautiful album on Glory.
Moving| Posted November 16, 2011
Not that any of what God has given Michael isn't inspired. I love his voice but more so his heart for bringing glory to the Lord.
I love this instrumental album as it displays the often not seen purely instrumental side of the ministry.
During this time of year, this is one album that can lift us to the Lord all year round!
The ochestration is amazing, and it brings such peace, joy and more to my soul.
Lives up to the Name| Posted November 15, 2011
MW does anyother masterful and creative job with this piece of workmanship. I liked it much better than "Freedom" which I also like. The music made me feel uplifted and joyful. It is great background music yet interesting enough to just sit and listen.
Beautiful| Posted November 15, 2011
This is truly beautiful music! It's hard to tell you about the separate tracks because of the way one listens through NRT, but there are grandious orchestrations as well as soft, lilting pieces. I will definitely be adding this to my library.
Cool and Diverse| Posted November 15, 2011
I found Glory to be an interesting look at Michael W. Smith's creative genius. On first listen, here are some things I liked and Didn't like.
THINGS I LIKED:
It's an instrumental album. I didn't know that until I started listening, so that was a fun surprise. The instrumentation and musicianship are outstanding. Really, you'd expect that from Michael. I loved the little glimpses of a few classic MWS songs that sort of sat underneath. Dynamically, the tone of the album is quite diverse. It refreshes your heart and challenges you to follow along at different times which makes for a fun ride.
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
At times I wasn't sure if I was listening to an instrumental worship album, or a movie score. And while the dyanmics were cool, it was a bit confusing. so it's a bit of a trade off.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the album. To me, its best use would be as backgound music for your social event or just for your day.
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