Project
Michael W. Smith is an immensely talented young man who achieved success as a songwriter with "How Majestic Is Your Name" for Sandi Patti. He has co-written a number of songs, including many on Amy Grants and Kathy Troccoli's albums. Now Michael has an album of his own.The Michael W. Smith Projectheavily drenched with keyboards and synthesizers, shows Michael as a virtual whiz on those instruments. (He just finished touring with Amy Grant, playing keyboards in her band.)Beginning with an instrumental reminiscent of Bach, Smiths "Sonata in D Major" shows his classical training. But if the first song shows where his fingers have been, the next ones show where his heart is going: "You Need a Saviour," uptempo and nearly new wave, "Could He Be the Messiah," and "Be Strong and Courageous" all cookers.One side two Amy Grant sings along on "Friends." "Great Is the Lord" with its chorus could soon join "How Majestic" as one of all-time great praise songs from contemporary Christian music. Michael, heavy on music but light on words, is perfectly complemented by wife Debbie, who writes the lyrics for Michael's tunes.Projectis a powerful debut album full of energy, excitement, and the keyboard/synthesizer sound heard all over pop radio. But more than that, this album is full of the promise of a great new talent. --Don Cusic(c) 1983 CCM Communications, Inc. --From CCM Magazine -- Subscribe Now!