Wow, does this week pack in the new releases! New music from Blindside,
Kutless, Avalon, Vineyard, and even a re-release from KJ-52 will probably
have everyone running out to the record store. And to top it off, we give
cMusicMail readers our look at Michael W. Smith's latest collection of hits.
And for those folk fans who are not out for a new release, stop into
cMusicWeb.com this weekend for an interview with Andrew Osenga, formerly
from the Normals.

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THE SECOND DECADE: 1993-2003 - MICHAEL W. SMITH (2003)
by Bert Gangl

It's hardly a stretch to say that the lion's share of artists who came into
prominence during the early years of MTV and the Reagan Era have seen their
popularity diminish drastically over the last two decades. This being the
case, it appears that nobody bothered to tell Michael W. Smith. At a time
when the better portion of those who entered the Christian pop arena with
Smith have long since seen their work consigned to cut-out bins and
out-of-print catalogs, Smith's own career seems to be following a decidedly
upward trajectory. Indeed, with 16 Number One singles, 22 Dove Awards, six
gold albums and slots at everything from the Presidential Inaugural Prayer
Service to the Miss America pageant since his first greatest hits collection
in 1993, Smith's star has never shone more brightly.

The aptly-titled Second Decade compilation features 12 songs from Smith's
last six albums, along with two new tracks and one remake. Entries like
"Cry for Love" and "I'll Lead You Home" marry the soaring, full-bodied pop
of Smith's 1992 Change Your World release to a more somber, specifically
spiritual set of lyrics with gripping results. The thought-provoking title
cut from the 1998 Live the Life album finds Smith augmenting his
characteristic pop and soft rock with slight psychedelic flourishes, while
"Love Me Good" from the same release works as a perfect foil for his more
serious-minded material. The sweeping, Civil War-inspired title cut from
the all-instrumental Freedom ranks among Smith's most distinctive work to
date. And "You Are Holy" and "Above All" from the recent Worship and
Worship Again projects mark a return of sorts to time-honored classics like
"Great Is the Lord" and "Emmanuel."

In fairness, the collection does leave out a few chart-topping hits ("Jesus
is the Answer," "Let Me Show You the Way") and key album tracks ("I'll Be
Around," "Agnus Dei"), which renders it just shy of definitive. Conversely,
new songs "Raging Sea" and "Signs" are largely nondescript entries that
could have been omitted in favor of stronger existing material. And the
star-studded "Friends 2003" remake is, more than anything, superfluous.
That said, the aforementioned lapses are far more the exception than the
rule. And, with a running time of nearly 70 minutes, most listeners will be
hard-pressed to dwell too heavily on the anthology's occasional missteps.
For those with even a passing appreciation of inspirational pop music,
particularly that of the last ten years, the Second Decade is essential
listening, offering a generous, well-balanced latter-day overview of one of
Christian music's most important and influential performers.

Read more about Michael W. Smith at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/michaelwsmith


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Review: Sing - Aaron Spiro
http://cMusicWeb.com/pop/aaronspiro/sing.shtml

Interview: Kutless
http://cMusicWeb.com/hardrock/kutless/interview.shtml

Review: Illuminate - David Crowder Band
http://cMusicWeb.com/worship/davidcrowderband/illuminate.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

PURCHASE THIS MUSIC AND MORE AT GRASSROOTSMUSIC.COM:
http://www.grassrootsmusic.com/?associateid=249

7TH AVENUE (re-release) - KJ-52
Cutting a couple tracks and all the silly interludes from KJ's Essential
Records debut, this "04 Edition" has 5 previously unreleased tracks
including "Lift Me Up," KJ's take on the Jars' "Flood" as well as
collaborations with John Reuben and others and a bad remix of "12 Round
Knockout."

ABOUT A BURNING FIRE - BLINDSIDE
Their second major label release has the fans of their earlier Solid State
releases worried that they've gone too pop. But most people will find their
dynamic vocals and enough rock to keep it exciting. And for only $7.99 at
Best Buy, it's a steal.

BARLOW GIRL - BARLOW GIRL
It's no wonder Superchic[k] was impressed with these girls and wrote a song
about them. Although a bit different sound than the band that made their
name popular, Barlow Girl features similar lyrics that uphold virtues among
young girls.

CRASHINGS - FALLING UP
Kutless told BEC about their friends, Falling Up, and are even taking them
on tour. This band has a similar rock style and incorporates a bit more pop,
even having a DJ in the band.

THE CREED - AVALON
With a couple new members including popular solo singer Greg Long, Avalon
has more star power than ever. Their first full-length album since 2001's
Oxygen will definitely be a hit on Christian radio.

HOLD ON - VINEYARD UK
The Vineyard churches of the UK have an excellent history, bringing us such
amazing worship anthems as "Come, Now is the Time to Worship" and "Hungry".
More recently, each Vineyard church has been releasing their own CDs,
bringing just as much quality sound and new songs on each disc. In this disc
from Trent Vineyard we find a rock worship album that reminds us of
Coldplay, Radiohead, and U2.

HYMNS: ANCIENT AND MODERN - PASSION
Louie Giglio and the folks on the Passion Music team noticed that not much
attention is paid to the great hymns. Reintroducing church music of the last
2,000 years to the modern worship crowd, here we have Passion leaders such
as David Crowder and Chris Tomlin leading worship songs that have been sung
for generations.

I AM THE PORTUGUESE BLUES - STARFLYER 59
Returning to their roots with a bit harder edge, this is the latest from
underground sensation Starflyer 59.

LIVE WORSHIP: BLESSED BE YOUR NAME - REBECCA ST. JAMES
A Rebecca St. James concert is definitely a unique experience. This 8-song
disc features live versions of worship songs including a couple not on her
Worship God release.

RISE UP - RITA SPRINGER
Rita Springer has long been a critically-acclaimed worship artist. While I
have not heard her music personally, I am sure that this new live disc will
complement anyone's worship collection.

SEA OF FACES - KUTLESS
How does 2002's biggest new band follow up their debut? With this PICK OF
THE WEEK release, they bring back the rock in superb style. The lead single,
"Treason", has been hitting radio hard and other songs like "Sea of Faces"
and the grueling "Passion" are sure to connect with audiences. For more
info, check out our interview with Kutless:
http://cMusicWeb.com/hardrock/kutless/interview.shtml

SHOUT TO THE EARTH - VINEYARD US
The worship community likes releasing a new worship compilation every week.
While this one doesn't immediately look like a worship compilation, it is a
collection of songs from recent Vineyard US releases, and that's all.

TAKE ME AWAY - SARAH KELLY
Sarah Kelly is the latest result of the continuous talent search by TobyMac
and Joey Elwood. This Gotee artist brings a pop/rock debut that will remind
of Jennifer Knapp as well as Sarah McLachlan.


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
- Jars of Clay Launches "Ambitious" Tour
- cMW Writer Makes Good. Imagine That
- And more!

View all the latest stories on cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/


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