Michael W Smith puts his own spin on instrumental music
Michael W. Smith's newest album, Glory, is an extremely beautiful addition to Smith's long and impressive list of work. Each track is brilliant on its own but when pieced together they create a cohesive piece of art.
Glory is an instrumental album that puts a modern and fresh spin on traditional classical music.
It also features several different styles of music, often times within each track. The variety of instruments and sounds really helps elevate each song to a unique piece in and of itself.
The album begins boldly with “Glory Overture”, a traditional sounding song that gives you a small sample of what is to come throughout the album and has you on the edge of your seat waiting for what is next.
Some tracks, like “Whitaker's Wonder”, sound as though they belong in a ballet while others, like “Glory Battle”, have a more powerful, traditional feel.
Each song tells a story and the music speaks for itself. Even without lyrics Smith is able to communicate with listeners. While listening to “Heroes” the instruments can almost be imagined as voices, calling out to each other and others answering in response. And the song titles really helps listeners to find a certain meaning in each song.
Above all the other instruments, the piano stands out. The piano is used throughout the album and almost works as a narrator, the familiar sound that guides you through to the next song.
Track Listing
1. Glory Overture
2. Patriot
3. Heroes
4. Forever
5. The Blessing
6. Whitaker's Wonder
7. Joy Follows Suffering
8. Glory Battle
9. Atonement
10. Redemption
11. The Romance
12. The Tribute/Agnus Dei
Michael W Smith's album Glory is an exciting opportunity to experience music in a meaningful way. While the worship aspects may seem subtle at first, the beauty of this creation sings praise and celebration.