Dave's Review

Label: Reunion Records Website: www.michaelwsmith.com
CD Song Titles: “Signs,” “Missing Person,” “Cry For Love,” “This Is Your Time,” “Live The Life,” “Never Been Unloved,” “Love Me Good,” “Breakdown [RrrrB remix],” “Straight To The Heart,” “I’ll Lead You Home,” “Above All [live version],” “You Are Holy (Prince Of Peace),” “Friends 2003,” “Freedom,” and “Raging Sea”
DVD Song Titles: “Live The Life,” “Love Me Good,” “There She Stands,” and “Secret Ambition”

Michael W. Smith celebrates his twentieth year in grand fashion with another 15-song compilation. The title is no surprise, of course. The high spots of his first ten years were collected on the The First Decade 1983-1993, so this one is naturally called The Second Decade 1993-2003. Smith has recorded 13 of the 15 songs previously. “Signs” is a new song written by Ryan Smith (Michael’s son) along with Wes King, while “Raging Sea” is the result of a collaboration between Smitty and Paul Baloche. The remaining 13 tracks are the same as the original versions that were released, with two exceptions: “Breakdown” has been remixed, while “Friends 2003” is a completely new recording with a number of guest vocalists.

Looking at Smith’s discography, you can tell he really went out of his way to do something for everyone over the past ten years . . . two worship recordings, a Christmas project, an instrumental CD, and three “regular” recordings. New product was rather slow in coming the first five years of the past decade. I’ll Lead You Home was his only release until 1998, when both Live The Life and Christmastime helped make up for lost time. One CD per year became the norm after that, with This Is Your Time in 1999, Freedom in 2000, and the two worship projects in the following years. To begin his third decade, Smith seems to be maintaining a one CD per year pace with a new project set to release in March 2004.

Two versions of The Second Decade are available: a standard CD version, as well as a version containing both the CD and a bonus DVD. The DVD has four song videos with optional commentary by Smith, a discography, and interviews. The inclusion of the video for “Secret Ambition” is notable, because it has been difficult for consumers to find. In addition to the DVD, the liner notes that accompany The Second Decade provide further insight and background from Smith.

The Second Decade should appeal to two types of fans. The diehard Smitty fan will definitely want to have the CD/DVD version of this project in order to experience the unique elements that aren’t available anywhere else. The casual fan who doesn’t collect all of Smith’s releases, but generally enjoys his music will also want to consider The Second Decade.
Rating: 5 Stars

--- David Bruce Murray