Stand (CD - 2006)

Personnel: Michael W. Smith (piano); Michael W. Smith (vocals); Rusty Anderson, Paul Moak, Bruce Gaitsch (guitar, guitars); Patrick Warren (chamberlin, keyboards); James Gregory (bass instrument); David Davidson (violin); DeMarco Johnson (harmonica); Jeremy Bose (accordion); Lindsay Jamieson (drums); Luis Conte (percussion).

Audio Mixer: Shane D. Wilson.

Recording information: Blue42, Franklin, TN; Dark Horse Recording, Franklin, TN; Deer Valley Studios, Franklin, TN; Pentavarit, Nashville, TN; Track Record, North Hollywood, CA.

Editors: Josh Bronleewe; Rusty Varenkamp.

Photographer: Robert Ascroft.

After flirting with a wider variety of musical influences for several albums, STAND returns Michael W. Smith to the CCM mainstream. Smith specializes in pop-rock power ballads that have their secular equivalent in the work of Phil Collins, Michael McDonald, and Journey's Steve Perry, and STAND features a number of excellent examples. Highlights include the piano-driven ballad "Grace" and the rousing opening track, "Cover Me," which has traces of both U2 and Creed.

Following successes in rock, dance, instrumental and more traditional worship, Michael W. Smith sees no need for further reinvention with his 2006 album Stand. It is an unapologetic commentary that suggests Smith may never run out of polished, heartfelt gems. Stand is another well-produced, balanced collection that neither wins nor loses him any fans. The album title leaves room for multiple interpretations, most likely referring to his unwavering faith but possibly also conferring his desire to stand up for the music that suits him best. Over the years, that has proven to be piano-driven ballads that resonate with the struggling, the suffering and the lost. In that sense the album treads familiar territory, yet "safe" is an inaccurate descriptor since it would connote a lack of ambition. To the contrary, Smith sets grand expectations from the opening rim shots of "Cover Me." The album reaches a tipping point following the rousing "Come to the Cross," closing out with a half-dozen of his trademark ballads. Standout tracks include "How to Say Goodbye," "In Silence" and the contagiously melodic "Escape Your Love." Youth's voices lend a slow build to album closer "Come See" though it's not quite the cathartic equivalent of "All I Want," the last track on 2004's Healing Rain. Regardless, Smith can seemingly do no wrong. Stand continues to endear him to his contemporary Christian and crossover listeners. ~ Jared Johnson minimize