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. minimize