Iconic multi-platinum, singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith is releasing an extended version of his album Worship Forever, including instrumental versions of each song. Re-imagined to honor his #1 highest-selling album of all time, the record featured a full symphony orchestra and special appearances by Amy Grant, Matt Redman and Tauren Wells.
Today, Smith allows the listener to worship in a different way by releasing the incredible instrumental versions for each track on Worship Forever (Extended Edition).
“Releasing this extended version of Worship Forever was really personal to me. I find that intimacy, prayer and meditation with the Father goes very deep when listening to music that has no words. With the amazing orchestra we had that night, it is very powerful and I am thrilled for everyone to not only hear it, but experience it as well.” Smith says.
Worship Forever (Extended Edition) – Michael W. Smith
Michael W. Smith shares the official lyric video for “Freeze The Frame,” which can be viewed below. The track is Smith’s first new Christmas song in over eight years and is featured on Christmas At Home, which dropped earlier this year (Oct 21).
‘Freeze The Frame’ is the song that inspired the entire project. The song is written by Michael with Award-winning songwriter, Tony Wood. ‘Freeze the Frame’ is one of those melodies that is destined to be a playlist favorite for this and many Christmases in the future as it paints a picture that we have all felt of moments that we wish we could just hit pause and live in for a bit longer. During the Christmas season, that is particularly poignant.
Iconic multi-platinum, singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith releases his new Christmas EP today. Christmas at Homefeatures Smith’s entire family participating in the recording, arranging, writing and includes 6 brand new Christmas standards that will awaken the listener’s holiday memories.
Among the tracks, there are two instrumental pieces, “The Star” (featuring a haunting vocal line from daughter Whitney Mooring and lush orchestration) and “Christmas at Wildwood” which features Smith’s signature gift and sound for writing melodies on the piano.
Throughout the entire EP, the music and orchestration play like an epic movie soundtrack.
The EP was inspired by the song “ Freeze The Frame” written by Smith and Tony Wood, painting pictures of family moments around the holidays. Lyrics from the Mark Campbell produced song that spoke to Smith include: “Time around the table/And time around the tree/These moments in these rooms tonight/Are everything I dream.”
They reminded him so much of his own family life that it quickly led him to the idea of making the EP a family affair, having his daughter Anna Bovi sing on the track and motivated him to bring in his other children and, at the time, 16 grandchildren (recently grown to 17) for the rest of the project.
Other highlights from the EP include the radio single ‘Christmas Is Here’ written by Smith and Bovi, which hasmemory-inducing lyrics and a chorus of all of his grandchildren, with the orchestral arrangement done by Smith’s son, Tyler. Another majestic moment was bringing in the 200+ member Brentwood Baptist Choir for “God with God.” The song is a choral and orchestra masterpiece that invokes memories of Smith’s past Christmas anthems, produced, orchestrated, and arranged by David Hamilton. Listeners will know they’re in for a special experience by the opening instrumental “The Night Before…” which sets the stage perfectly for the Christmas season.
Smith will showcase the songs from the EP (in addition to his other classics) on his upcoming Christmas tour with Amy Grant. Tour dates can be found at MichaelWSmith.com/Tour.
Iconic multi-platinum, singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith is thrilled to announce his new Christmas EP today. Christmas at Home,coming out October 21st, features Smith’s entire family participating in the recording, arranging, writing and includes 6 brand new Christmas standards that will awaken the listener’s holiday memories. Among the tracks, there are two instrumental pieces, “The Star” (featuring a haunting vocal line from daughter Whitney Mooring and lush orchestration) and “Christmas at Wildwood” which features Smith’s signature gift and sound for writing melodies on the piano. Throughout the entire EP, the music and orchestration play like an epic movie soundtrack.
The EP was inspired by the song “ Freeze The Frame” written by Smith and Tony Wood, painting pictures of family moments around the holidays. Lyrics from the Mark Campbell produced song that spoke to Smith include: “Time around the table/And time around the tree/These moments in these rooms tonight/Are everything I dream.” They reminded him so much of his own family life that it quickly led him to the idea of making the EP a family affair, having his daughter Anna Bovi sing on the track and motivated him to bring in his other children and, at the time, 16 grandchildren (recently grown to 17) for the rest of the project.
Other highlights from the EP include the radio single ‘Christmas Is Here’ written by Smith and Bovi, which hasmemory-inducing lyrics and a chorus of all of his grandchildren, with the orchestral arrangement done by Smith’s son, Tyler. Another majestic moment was bringing in the 200+ member Brentwood Baptist Choir for “God with God.” The song is a choral and orchestra masterpiece that invokes memories of Smith’s past Christmas anthems, produced, orchestrated, and arranged by David Hamilton. Listeners will know they’re in for a special experience by the opening instrumental “The Night Before…” which sets the stage perfectly for the Christmas season.
Smith will showcase the songs from the EP (in addition to his other classics) on his upcoming Christmas tour with Amy Grant. Tour dates can be found at MichaelWSmith.com/Tour.
This week, award-winning singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith has officially announced the release of his latest, instrumental single, “Cry For Hope.” The song was written when Smith was moved to bless Ukraine after witnessing the death and destruction that began unfolding with the Russian invasion.
He has partnered with CityServe, an international humanitarian organization, in creating the music video to bring awareness to the plight of Ukrainians, along with highlighting local church efforts that are providing emergency relief.
“I saw some images and video of what was taking place in Ukraine, and the casualties, and the women and children, and it broke my heart… it just wiped me out,” says Smith. “I found myself at the grand piano at my house and this melody fell out of the sky.”
“It’s my heartache, my cry for hope song for the people of Ukraine,” Smith went on to say. “The need is great, it’s going to be there for a long, long time. And I appreciate the work that CityServe is doing, stepping up to the plate, and alleviating the pain.”
“I think the whole prayer thing has got to go up about ten notches,” Smith added, reflecting on what the church can do to help moving forward.
The full video of his performance, and his testimony about what led to the song, is available below.
“We are moved by Michael’s deep compassion for the people of Ukraine, and for allowing CityServe to use his inspired ‘Cry for Hope’ song for our efforts to help these people in need,” said CityServe co-founder and CEO, Dave Donaldson. “It is our hope that this beautiful song will move us all to heed Michael’s challenge to increase our prayers ten-fold and to financially support this historic opportunity to share the Gospel in both word and deed through the local churches to the Ukrainian people.”
CityServe International collaborates with churches around the world to provide emergency relief, and they launched CityServe Europe in response to the Russian attacks in Ukraine. They work alongside more than 6,700 churches in Eastern Europe and have helped thousands of Ukrainian refugees receive life-saving assistance since the war began. To learn more about CityServe’s four-fold strategy to help Ukrainians through the local church visit www.cityserve.us/ukrainian-crisis.
The Awakening Foundation and Awakening Events are excited to announce Michael W. Smith’s“The WayMaker Tour” kicking off this fall. After a successful spring tour in an acoustic and intimate piano setting, Smith is excited to kick up the energy and return to the stage with his full band as they will journey through many of his most popular hits. Concertgoers will get to hear songs such as “Place In This World,” “Friends,” and “Secret Ambition,” while blending in the worship songs that he’s brought to life, including the No. 1 hit “Waymaker,” “Surrounded,” and many more.
“The WayMaker Tour,” an Awakening Foundation Event, is supported by K-LOVE Radio, Air1 Radio, Compassion, and Altrua HealthShare. It will kick off on October 2 in Texas and will wrap on November 13 in Pennsylvania. Smith will take the tour overseas in the spring of 2023. More details will follow on the international leg.
Tickets are officially on sale now, and tickets purchased through August 10 will receive 20% off with the Fan Appreciation Launch Discount by using the code INSIDER (discount does not apply to VIP or Group). Click HERE for tickets and further details.
“Over the past year, I have been incredibly blessed to travel around the world and lead worship,” Michael W. Smith shares. “Through those concerts and travels, I really felt called to come back to the song ‘Waymaker’ and build a concert experience with my band that focuses on songs that are encouraging, worshipful, and introspective; a tour that reminds people that God loves us and is here with us through everything. This fall we’ll kick it off in the states and go worldwide in 2023. It’s going to be so good to get out there with my band and I am absolutely honored that my good friend and worship leader Jon Reddick will be joining me for this fall leg. It will be a night you won’t forget!”
Please note: all Awakening Events / Awakening Foundation shows are required to follow local health and venue requirements as it relates to COVID-19. These may include but are not limited to vaccine and/or testing requirements and face coverings. Local health & venue guidelines are subject to change at any time. Changes in local COVID-19 health guidelines or venue policies are not grounds for a refund. Thank you for your understanding and please know that Awakening Events takes the health and safety of their guests, employees, and community very seriously.
*Tour dates are subject to change; visit awakeningevents.com for the most updated schedule
Iconic modern hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty release a new version of “Christ Our Hope In Life And Death” with GRAMMY Winning, multi-platinum selling and iconic artist Michael W. Smith.
The song was originally released in 2021 on Getty Music’s Sing! Global (Live At The Getty Music Worship Conference) album. The official audio for this new version can be heard below. “Christ Our Hope In Life And Death” ft. Michael W. Smith is available now to download/stream.
“As the title of this year’s Sing! Conference and our upcoming Fall tour, ‘Christ Our Hope in Life and Death’ is the heartbeat behind so much of what we’re doing this year, and reminds us that we can sing with confidence and hope knowing Christ has conquered the grave,” Keith and Kristyn shared on social media.
GRAMMY ® Winning, multi-platinum selling and iconic artist Michael W. Smith is releasing his moving new instrumental single “Cry For Hope” today in response to the current devastation in Ukraine.
“After watching the news and the devastation in Ukraine, like most of the world I was in tears. Over the next few days this melody just kept coming back to me and just spoke a message that no words could convey,” Smith says.
“Cry For Hope” was recorded with the Nashville Recording Orchestra and Smith on piano. His good friend David Hamilton led the orchestration and co-produced the song with Smith.
A portion of the proceeds of “Cry For Hope” will be distributed to Ukraine aid.
ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND joined MICHAEL W. SMITH for an epic version of his iconic hit, “Friends.” The group released the video collaboration on Friday, March 11, and the video can be viewed below.
Haase says: “We’ve crossed paths with Michael W. Smith many times during the years and I’ve always wanted to connect and collaborate but with all of our schedules, it just never worked out. During the pandemic, when no one was really traveling, we were able to make this a reality. This really was a dream come true.”
EHSS & MWS will reunite once again for an Alaskan cruise this July 2022. Click here for more information and reservations. The cruise will also feature Tony Dungy, Jonathan Traylor, Travis Cottrell, Debbie Smith and Stephen Bargatze.
Earlier, in 2021, Ernie welcomed the CCM pioneer for a wide-ranging interview to the group’s Good To Be Home show. That interview may be viewed here.
The multi-GRAMMY nominated, GMA Dove Award-winning group is currently in the studio preparing a yet-to-be-titled new studio project set to be released later in 2022.
Iconic multi-platinum, singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith has re-envisioned his #1 highest-selling album of all time, Worship, in honor of the 20th anniversary of the album’s release on September 11, 2001. Out today, Worship Forever has re-imagined the album from start to finish, this time, with a full symphony orchestra. The new record also includes a bonus track, “SING AGAIN”, a song with lyrics Smith felt especially appropriate for today.
Iconic multi-platinum, singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith has re-envisioned his #1 highest-selling album of all time, Worship, in honor of the 20th anniversary of the album’s release on September 11, 2001. Out today, Worship Forever has re-imagined the album from start to finish, this time, with a full symphony orchestra. The new record also includes a bonus track, “SING AGAIN”, a song with lyrics Smith felt especially appropriate for today.
Originally released on September 11, 2001, Worship offered hope during a time of despair and mourning. Smith says, “The Worship record was a special one for me. From the recording live in Lakeland, Florida – to the release on 9/11– the day our nation was attacked. I’ve seen God use those songs and that music in ways I could have never dreamed. I’m so excited, now, to have re-imagined this record – start to finish – with a full Symphony Orchestra. This is a very special recording from an incredible night.”
