Live the Life (CD - 1998)

All tracks have been digitally mastered using HDCD technology.

LIVE THE LIFE was nominated for a 1999 Grammy for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album.

Photographers: Frank Ockenfels; Jimmy Abegg.

Michael W. Smith claims that he wrote most of Live the Life, his follow-up to the astonishingly successful I'll Lead You Home, on a guitar, and that may account for the dircetness of the songs and the performance. Smith's music isn't raw by any means, yet there is a certain sweeping quality to the songs on Live the Life that distinguishes it from his other albums. That isn't to say that it rocks -- it just has a big, all-encompassing sound, which sounds even larger under the layers of production gloss. It gives the album crossover potential, to be sure, but the lyrical themes are undeniably Christian and none of the songs have a hook strong enough for a crossover hit. Nevertheless, Live the Life is an inventive CCM release that should satisfy fans as it expands his audience. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

On his eleventh album, Christian artist Michael W. Smith proves once again his ability to provide pop appeal while maintaining his integrity, as well as continuing his themes of thankfulness and deep religious faith. LIVE THE LIFE varies from Smith's previous albums in that he plays guitar rather than piano, lending an edgier, more assertive tone to the music. Highlights include the anthemic title track; the quirky "Love Me Good," and the touching "Hello, Goodbye," which was written for friends of Smith's whose new baby died. Smith attributes the themes of LIVE THE LIFE, as well as its title, to a quote by St. Francis of Assisi: "Preach the gospel to all the world and if necessary, use words." minimize