Healing Rain

by

Michael W. Smith

Edit

With two hugely successful praise CD's under his belt, Michael W. Smith decided to return to his pop roots for this CD. The result is still influenced by praise music.

Michael's career has been known for praise music from the very beginning. His first CD (PROJECT) produced the modern classic "Great Are You, Lord." He's also written praise-focused songs for Sandi Patty and Scott Wesley Brown among others. Here, he's got several more to add to the fold, including the title song. Not only can I see this song of renewal being sung in churches in the near future, but also the first track, "Here I Am," is a ready-made praise chorus about surrender. And while "All I Want" might not fit as easily into some churches, it falls into this category as well.

Not all the songs are new praise choruses, however. "Hang On" is a fun song of encouragement. "Live Forever" is another on a common theme for him, death of a loved one who is in Heaven. "We Can't Wait Any Longer" is reminiscent of many songs recorded over the years as a reminder of the needs around the world. Also included is a cover of the ballad "Bridge Over Troubled Water," the only song on here not co-written by Michael.

Over all, this CD seems to be missing something. I don't see it having any of the big hits from some of his other CD's. Maybe it's because there isn't a good mix of upbeat and slower songs. It has grown on me, and I like it better then THIS IS YOUR TIME. Still, not his best release.