| Length: | 56:48 |
|---|---|
| Cuts: | Missing Person |
| Love Me Good | |
| Live The Life | |
| Never Been Unloved | |
| I Believe In You Now | |
| Don't Give Up | |
| Let Me Show You The Way | |
| I Know Your Name | |
| Matter Of Time | |
| In My Arms Again | |
| Song For Rich | |
| Hello, Good Bye | |
| Hidden Track: Live The Life Reprise |
It was a long wait, but Michael W. Smith's album/child finally saw the light of day in April 1998. Originally slated (and advertised) as a September 1997 release, Live The Life experienced numerous delays. Eager fans were somewhat appeased by a maxi-CD released last September and the inclusion of one song on WoW 1998 ("Missing Person"), but distribution company sources stated that a "glutted fall market" in the Christian market kept the full album from appearing then. It was later revealed that the album wasn't completely finished at that time, but plans were to release it in February. A Christmas tour with Amy Grant and Ce Ce Winans forced a delay to March, then mixing delays pushed it back to April.
Live The Life most closely resembles Smith's critically acclaimed i 2 eye of 1988. Lyrical highlights include the artistic word play in "Never Been Unloved," the odd imagery of "Love Me Good" ("I could never live in a yurt on a diet of Mongolian barbeque?"), an anthemic challenge for Christian's to "Live The Life," and ironically, a song of regret from the perspective of a person who has lost their zeal for spreading the gospel as they've grown older ("Missing Person").
From a musical standpoint, eight of the tunes are exceptional:
1. The intro to "Missing Person" has been extended considerably, increasing the song's length to over 6 minutes. (It clocked in on WoW 1998 at 5:09.) As the first cut on Live The Life, the extended introduction heightens anticipation and also previews the title cut for those who listen closely.
2. "Love Me Good" is an infectious rhythmic tune. Try to imagine "Cross Of Gold" or "Picture Perfect" with Wayne Kirkpatrick's lyrics drifting into a realm that has only been walked before by the Steve Taylor/Newsboys combination. It should be a concert favorite.
3. Youth groups will be singing the anthem "Live The Life" for years to come. Expect the tune to appear in choral anthem form soon. The production is solid, with a perfect mix of tension and release. Smith's vocals have been processed in several different ways, and interest is sustained as the different effects contrast with one another.
4. An accompaniment that is predominantly acoustic guitar sets a leisurely pace for "Never Been Unloved." Light brushes on the percussion instruments create a sense of inertial energy.
5. "I Believe In You Now" begins with a Phil Collins/Genesis type sound that yeilds to an upfront piano on the choruses and bridge, a la Billy Joel or Elton John.
6. A light house beat should interest Christian DJ's. Samples from "Don't Give Up" should loop nicely with the right percussion tracks.
7. "Let Me Show You The Way" is an anthem that begins slowly and builds until there is a strong pulsating accompaniment, reminiscent of the movie soundtrack work of Hans Zimmer (Days Of Thunder).
8. Smith pays tribute to a fellow Christian songwriter who died in a tragic automobile crash last year with "Song For Rich." The Celtic timbres have a sweet/sad appeal that captures the sentiments expressed by many who were touched by the life of Rich Mullins.
Although the remaining tunes are more generic, Live The Life as a whole combines the quality musical/production elements of Michael W. Smith's most recent albums with interesting and thought provoking lyrics. That's not so easy to achieve. Consider any of Michael W. Smith's previous albums since The Big Picture and think of what you like best about it. You'll hear something similar in at least one selection on Live The Life. If nothing else, it proves that artistic creativity is not mutually exclusive from pop production.