- Audio CD (6 Oct 2008)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Format: Import
- Label: Reunion
- ASIN: B0002NBH0W
- Other Editions: Audio CD | Audio Cassette | MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 378,162 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
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Product details |
Track Listings
| 1. Freedom |
| 2. Offering |
| 3. Carol Ann |
| 4. Giving |
| 5. Hibernia |
| 6. Letter to Sarah |
| 7. Freedom Battle |
| 8. Cry of the Heart |
| 9. Prayer for Taylor |
| 10. Call |
| 11. Thy Word |
| 12. Free Man |
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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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format: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.
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.
Born in 1957, Michael has had a long, award-winning career since his first recording in 1983; an excellent pianist as well as inspired songwriter, he plays piano, keyboard and Hammond organ on this CD.
The booklet insert has wonderful photography and recording info, and the total playing time is 40'57.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format: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 5 people found the following review helpful
Format: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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