Taking Another Step
Posted January 17, 2014
By Dawno,
Starting in 2012, Martin Smith independently released four EPs in the U.K., each containing four songs, titled God's Great Dance Floor, Movement One through Movement Four. With the April release of God's Great Dance Floor, Step 01 in the U.S., the songs from these EPs began to reach a broader audience. Step 01 was heartily received, and Smith has followed with God's Great Dance Floor, Step 02. Like its predecessor, the album is comprised of the songs from two EPs, this time Movement Three and Movement Four. And Smith has yet again thrown in new songs for good measure.
Of the three new songs, two are top-notch tracks that are among the cream of the overall crop: opener "You Are My Salvation" and the Matt Redman co-write "Great Is Your Faithfulness." The first, written with Hillsong's Reuben Morgan, starts quietly with a Rhodes and a beat before swelling into a grander number while still retaining a beautiful intimacy. The latter is not the classic hymn, but I'd wager to say that it can stand beside it. It's a glorious, sweeping modern hymn suitable for corporate worship.
The third new piece, "Emmanuel," co-written by Smith, Redman, and Nick Herbert, while spirited and strong, lacks some of the originality that elevates the other two. Still, it's a good song that brings energy to the project.
Of the previously released songs, the Tomlin co-write "God's Great Dance Floor" is obviously the most well-known. A great tune any way you crack it, Martin's version has its own swagger. And his daughter gives a nice, albeit altogether too brief, guest vocal. While Step 01 centered around the rousing "Back To The Start" – which I still prefer to its cousin reprise – Step 02 takes a more reserved overall tone, perhaps in large part due to the influence of the gorgeous poetic stunner "Song of Solomon," the lynchpin of this recording. If the song sounds familiar, it's because Smith performs it on the Jesus Culture project, Live From New York.
Another highlight, and a song that listeners may already know, is "Grace." Co-written with Michael W. Smith, this tune is featured on Smitty's albums Stand and A New Hallelujah. Here, Martin shows us why "Grace" has become a well-loved Smitty staple. Honest and pure, it's a beautiful tune.
While I won't touch on all the songs, two others stand tall: "Redemption Day" and "Angel." The latter, Martin's closing number, is an update of sorts to the Delirous? song "There Is An Angel." To honor his wife Anna, Martin has written new verses. With a tender vocal reminiscent of John Lennon, and exquisite lyrics, the result is arresting: "I'm leaving earth to fall in love with you / So hold me in your arms, we'll make it through / I don't need wings when I've got you."
Closing Thoughts:
While the songs on God's Great Dance Floor, Step 02 are not, as a whole, as memorable as their counterparts on Step 01, Martin Smith has crafted a more than suitable follow-up. It's a shame the two records were not released as an official double album. The combined listening experience would surely be remarkable.
Like God's Great Dance Floor, Step 01, a large part of what makes this project so enjoyable is that it doesn't feel commercial. That's not to say it doesn't carry mass appeal. Rather, I'm trying to underscore that Smith made this record without any expectations or constraints. And, happily, it shows. Importantly, rather than relying on clichés, Smith crafts worship songs with real honest to goodness heart and soul. Smith's lyricism and artistic integrity enable him to create and sustain a sincere attitude of worship. And that's something worth dancing about!
Song to Download Now:
"Song of Solomon" (Get it on iTunes here.) View All Music And Book Reviews By Dawno | View Dawno's Profile
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