| From the days of “The Michael W. Smith Project,” West Virginia born Christian artist: Michael W. Smith “Smitty” has gained our trust in the Christian arena as one who sings about: “Place in this World, God With Us, This Is Your Time, and Stand.” Releasing his third Live Worship Album (recorded at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas – pastored by Joel and Victoria Osteen,) he has again turned on the passion of his musical ministry for live worship through “A New Hallelujah!” Featuring The African Children’s Choir from Uganda and Israel Houghton, this latest project of Michael W. delivers 14 songs of A New Hallelujah with a Special Message. Already a musical fan of “Healing Rain” and “Bridge Over Troubled Waters,” two songs in which the Lord personally ministered to me through, during a trying season in my life, I have also become a fan of “A New Hallelujah!”
Beginning with a one minute dramatic Intro, in which the African style drums sends the live worshippers into a praise uproar, this album follows up with “Prepare Ye The Way.” The album’s third and self-titled song sings of “A New Hallelujah with the ACC” by virtue of the Church singing together as one nation, from Africa to Australia, from Brazil to China, letting the song arise and letting love reach to the other side. “When I Think of You,” is a simple love song unto the Lord. “Mighty To Save” reminds the worshippers that God is just that…Mighty to save, being the Author of Salvation! “Shout Unto God,” is a proclamation of the Church; “Amazing Grace – My Chains Are Gone,” a declaration; but it is “Deep In Love With You” which brings us back to what started this whole thing in the first place – Love. Smitty sings: “I’m deep in love with you, Abba Father, my heart beats for you Precious Jesus!” “Healing Rain is falling down, I’m not afraid,” this will always be a song which will forever hold a special place in my heart. I was sitting in my car one afternoon in Nashville, TN, in the midst of a spiritual storm, and it happened to have been pouring down raining at the time. And it felt much like the Lord had forgotten about me and left me in that storm for far too long, or so I was thinking. I was weeping and listening to the local Christian radio station when “Healing Rain” came over the airways; the first time I had ever heard it. And it was as if the Lord spoke and said: “I know that the storm is still raging, but I have not forsaken you and I am beginning to send the healing rain.” Now, this song always takes me back to that moment in my car and I just have to stop and shed a tear whenever I remember my afternoon in that healing rain. “Majesty, I Surrender All (with Coalo Zamorano in the Spanish version – highly anointed, precious and sweet,) Grace, Help Is On The Way (with Israel Houghton,) and The River Is Rising” all reveals the apparent anointing which falls upon Michael W. Smith when he lets go and worships the Lord in song…something that I was very much privy to as a past member of The New River Fellowship Church pastored by Michael W. there in Franklin, TN. Without knowing (at the time of my healing rain experience) that God would later lead me to the artist’s church, and then afford me a few years after that the opportunity to review his latest project; I can truly say that: “My yesterday was a time of storms and Healing Rain, but my today is a time for A New Hallelujah!” Now, I’m just anticipating what my tomorrow holds. Thanks Pastor Smitty!
Ladee’s Album Reviews Criteria Each Category Scale 1 to 5 Divided by # of Categories Equals Rating Lyrical/Song Originality = 4 Musical Accompaniment/Arrangement = 5 Praise, Worship, Christian Inspirational Content = 5 Overall Feel/Mood/Theme of Song/Album = 5 |
