Michael W Smith - A New Hallelujah
Artist:
Title:
A New Hallelujah
Type:
Album
Released:
17 Mar 2009 (US), 28 Oct 2008 (UK)
Your Rating:
Review
Ok, let's start with two confessions: firstly, I am not a huge fan of Michael W Smith's Christian pop albums, but I absolutely loved his live worship albums "Worship" and "Worship Again" and was really looking forward to this follow up album "A New Hallelujah". Secondly, when it comes to worship albums, I am not too fussed whether the music is innovative and the lyrics original, all I care about is, does this album help me to get into the presence of God and fall in love with Jesus even more?! I was pleased to say this album didn't disappoint,...
Read More Ok, let's start with two confessions: firstly, I am not a huge fan of Michael W Smith's Christian pop albums, but I absolutely loved his live worship albums "Worship" and "Worship Again" and was really looking forward to this follow up album "A New Hallelujah". Secondly, when it comes to worship albums, I am not too fussed whether the music is innovative and the lyrics original, all I care about is, does this album help me to get into the presence of God and fall in love with Jesus even more?! I was pleased to say this album didn't disappoint, and is one I keep playing over and over again, and every time I do I just get lost in worship - surely the whole point of a worship album!
While Smith's first worship album was quite intimate and personal, "A New Hallelujah" follows on from "Worship Again", with every song having a huge, epic feel, which is not surprising when you realise it was recorded live at the huge Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. The quality of the recording is, as you would expect, fantastic, and the additions of a choir and several world class musicians alongside Smith make this quite simply one of the best quality live worship albums I have ever heard. As for the songs, they include some of the best worship songs of the past few years "Mighty To Save" "Shout Unto God" "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)" and "Majesty". Although these songs are very well known by now, these arrangements, plus the distinctive vocals mean that Smith makes these songs his own. There are also several original songs on this album the best of which are "Prepare Ye The Way" an opening anthem that sticks in your head all day, "Deep In Love With Love" one of the most beautiful worship songs I have heard in a long time and "Grace" a tender and uplifting ballad. The addition of an African children's choir on two of the songs gives the album a real ethnic feel. There addition on the title track and the incredibly catchy "When I Think Of You" will have you clapping and possibly even dancing along too (if you are that way inclined!) Meanwhile Israel Houghton is superb addition as a guest vocalist near the end of the album.
One of the best features of this album for me is the way Smith has arranged his set, with the middle section of songs in particular flowing together wonderfully. The transition in particular from "Amazing Grace" to "Deep In Love With You" to a "Healing Rain / Let it Rain" medley then into a version of Delirious' "Majesty" is nothing short of genius! "A New Hallelujah" does follow the style of Michael W Smiths previous live worship albums, and it certainly doesn't break too much new ground. But there is real touch of God on this album, and if you are wanting an album to lift you into worship, this is it! I can't wait for the DVD, to be released in the Spring!
Review by Andrew Murray
Andrews Rating 4 & 1/2 out of 5 Stars
Stand out songs
Prepare ye The Way
Deep In Love With You
Grace
