By Kevin Pollard

• Michael W. Smith: Wonder, Reunion

WITH 44 Dove Awards, 33 #1 hits and three top selling Christmas albums, it is no surprise that music icon Michael W. Smith’s tour stop in Abbotsford December 17 will be one of the year’s most sought-after gifts.

This is the first time he has brought his highly successful Christmas tour to B.C., and the show – complete with an orchestra and choir – is sure not to disappoint.

I suspect he will also include in his set list a song or two from this new release, which marks his 22nd career album and his first self-penned CD of original songs since 2006’s Stand. 

Smith and producer Bryan Lenox utilize cutting-edge technology to produce new sonic richness, and the result is a classic Smitty sound with a crisp live-acoustic feel.

Highlights here include the worship anthems ‘Take My Breath Away’ and ‘Run to You’; the high energy pop opener ‘Save Me From Myself’; and the title track.

But it is the more personal ballads – such as ‘Forever Yours,’ which reflects on Smith’s love for his wife Debbie; ‘Welcome Home’ where he sings of heaven; and the poignant love song, ‘You Belong to Me’ – that are pure vintage Michael, and should be a hit with longtime fans.

But the stark, acoustic ‘Leave’ is out of place here. It comes across like he is trying too hard to write outside of his comfort zone: “They all call me names and say I should take it on the chin . . . Why would my friend Suzie tell me I should just go kill myself?”

I was rooting for Smith, wanting to be blown away by his talent; but I found instead that both his vocals and songwriting on this selection paled in comparison to artists such as Matthew West, Chris Tomlin and Brandon Heath.

• Third Day: Move, Essential/Provident

Third Day’s 11th studio album offers 12 songs that are rooted in their familiar southern rock sound; it’s  reminiscent of the band’s Time record.

It was produced by Paul Moak (Mat Kearney, Matt Maher) and recorded in the band’s new state-of-the-art studio, The Quarry, in their hometown of Atlanta.

There is a soulful, rootsy vibe here – as heard on ‘Surrender,’ complete with slide guitar and hand claps; and the album opening ‘Lift Up Your Face,’ with guest vocals from The Blind Boys of Alabama. Other highlights here include the worshipful ‘Children of God,’ the gospel-tinged ‘Follow Me There,’ the electric guitar driven ‘Everywhere You Go,’ and ‘Trust in Jesus’; the latter is sure to be a hit soon.

The standout track is ‘Make Your Move,’ written from the perspective of a non-Christian: “If you care to share a minute of your time with me / Tell me now, because I’m hoping that I can believe / Give me a reason to trust what you’re telling me / Lord knows I need it now, won’t you show me how?”

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• Group 1 Crew: Outta Space Love, Word/Fervent/Curb

If you’re looking for an album that combines electronic pop, dance, R&B and hip hop with infectious melodies, you will want to check out this band’s third album. Comparisons to the Black Eyed Peas are justified, especially on the album opening ‘Live it Up’; the song is just pure fun, and has already become the most repeated tune at our house.

There are positive themes to be found here: self-worth, in        ‘Beautiful’; friendship in the melodic rap of ‘Need Your Love’; and making a difference, in ‘Let’s Go,’ featuring TobyMac. But there is, unfortunately, not a lot of spiritual depth.

Highlights from this 12-song set include the Motown-infused ‘Wait’; the dance beats of the title track; and the mid-tempo ‘Walking on the Stars,’ that really shows off the vocal abilities of Blanca Reyes.

• Chris Sligh: The Anatomy of Broken, Word/Curb

It’s been two years since the surprisingly strong debut album from American Idol finalist Chris Sligh – who now offers up this sophomore album. He gives us 14 vulnerable, self-penned songs reminiscent of 80s rock – focusing on the theme that we are all broken in some fashion.

Although his vocal talents  led to his success on Idol, it is now evident that songwriting is his strongest asset.

On ‘In the Weak,’ he sings: “I wrap God in my perfect packages / A self-made box of wants and needs / With hands raised high, I sing my praise / And forget the ones left in the street.” ‘Our Love’ declares: “We come into this mess, sin upon our heads / Born equals in a race that ends only in death / But we’ve been running in reverse / Since love conquered death’s curse / Shouldn’t we reflect His love to a world hung by a thread?”

This transparent songwriting works wonders on these retro-sounding tracks. Standouts include the anthem of unity, ‘One’; the acoustic ballad, ‘Catching Up’; and the high energy ‘Chasing Down a Name.’ The only downside here is that maybe it’s too much of a good thing, with the album clocking in at just under 60 minutes.

• Barlow Girl: Our Journey . . . So Far, Word/Fervent/Curb

Alyssa, Lauren and Rebecca Barlow present a look back at their past 10 years of music. The 13-time Dove Award nominated band offers a chronological recap of their 15 all-time favourite songs, including their chart-topping ‘Never Alone,’ ‘I Need You to Love Me’ and ‘Let Go,’ as well as the Top 5 hits ‘Mirror’ and ‘Beautiful Ending.’

Fans will enjoy the 16-page booklet that gives a glimpse into the family scrapbook. and reveals the history of the band through never-before-seen images. But with the only bonus track being a remix of ‘I Need You to Love Me,’ and including not one new song, this album only really works for those looking for an introduction to the band.

December 2010