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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
One of Christian music's most celebrated artists, Michael W. Smith has thrown a surprise to the music industry with his 14th release, Freedom. After nearly two decades of awards, hit singles and gold records, Smith set out to compose something that had been stirring within him for a long time: an instrumental album. Freedom's title track mixes the aggressiveness of a drum cadence, the innocence of a pennywhistle and the beauty of a soaring string section into a majestic and energised soundscape. Crested by a sensitive lead piano played by Michael himself, the majority of this disc is lushly endowed with stringed instruments that swoon with reminiscent sensation. These emotive textures also embrace a distinct British Isles influence that becomes danceable at times, and some classical orchestration, which adds regality to the disc. The surprises within this endeavour are Smith's misty-eyed revisit of the classic praise song "Thy Word" and the electronica-influenced "The Call", where Smith makes his only vocal appearance. We've had snapshots of Smith's instrumental gifting on albums past, but Freedom gives a deep long look into this aspect of Michael W. Smith's creativity that has until now been waiting to fully bloom. --Israel Button
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
lovely compositions, superb musicianship,
By Alejandra Vernon "artist & illustrator" (Long Beach, California) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)
This review is from: Freedom (Audio CD)
Filled with power and beauty, this instrumental recording has a Celtic feeling to most of its melodies, some of which is recorded in Dublin; it's music that can't be put in a single classification, and goes beyond the Christian genre.It's become a constant companion of mine while I work, as I find it both peaceful and energizing. There is a visual quality to many of the compositions, and they would be great expanded for dance or film. There are some lovely lyrical pieces, like "Carol Ann" (in whose memory this CD is dedicated), "The Giving", and "Prayer for Taylor", but perhaps my favorite is "Freedom Battle", which has a magnificent orchestral arrangement, with distant horns and terrific rhythmic contrasts. "The Call" is the most up-tempo "pop" sounding track, with more of a electronic sound to it than the other compositions, and the only one with background vocals.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Inspirational and uplifting instrumental album,
By A Customer
This review is from: Freedom (Audio CD)
Another great release from Michael W Smith. This time he displays his talent in an inspirational and uplifting instrumental album. There is a strong Celtic influence in many of the tracks - not surprising, since part of the album was recorded in Ireland. Although you perhaps miss the strong lyrics of previous releases, particularly 'This is Your Time' this is nonetheless an important record from an extremely talented artist, who should have far greater recognition in the UK.
1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Musical but disappointing,
By A Customer
This review is from: Freedom (Audio CD)
I like Michael W. Smith's music. His previous recordings are a very good example of the best in MOR combined with religious and thought-provoking lyrics – and that's the important thing. It is the songs that make the previous albums so compelling.Unfortunately, this all-instrumental album lacks the same compelling edge. Yes, it's musical enough, but there are no strong tunes and everything soon merges into one soundscape. There might be the makings of a good film score in this work, but it's not something that you'll want to listen to over and over. Very few artists can ever make compelling all instrumental recordings. Please Michael return to what you are so good at.
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