Saturday, 29 October 2022

Michael W Smith - Christmas At Home


57 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy-stream Michael's Christmas At Home here (external link)
Read previous reviews of Michael's Christmas music here

Singer-songwriter Michael W Smith has been gifting fans with Christmas music every 7 or 8 years since 1989's Christmas album was released. This was followed by Christmastime in 1998, It's A Wonderful Christmas in 2007 and, of course, 2014's The Spirit of Christmas. We were due a musical festive update from MWS and he's not disappointed by inviting us all to spend Christmas at Home with him this holiday season. Across five tracks (plus an instrumental introduction to the project), he shares emotive views of the festive period all through warming instruments and his expressive vocal. It is a sojourn you will want to take over and over, filing away for Christmas playlists for many years to come...
  • Christmas Is Here ~ following a musical box instrumental intro (as enchanting as any performance of The Nutcracker), the EP starts with a song full of anticipation, appreciation and wonder. The kids countdown at the beginning is a nice touch, setting the scene perfectly for a song that eschews cynacism and focuses on embracing the magic of the holiday season. The greatest story ever told deserves such a musical celebration - the slow build with the choir pays off with a performance that soars past the brightest star in the sky.
  • Freeze The Frame ~ elegiac piano and graceful strings swathe this story of capturing the memories of the happiest times you spend. It is achingly sincere, a heartfelt ode to try and retain the feelings of joy and optimism to spread throughout the year. Michael has always excelled with this type of adult contemporary ballad and this one is completely charming. If the craziness of December sometimes gets a bit too much, this song is the perfect calming moment to help centre yourself once more. Put to a montage of your favourite family photos on Portal.
  • The Star ~ with a timeless, somewhat haunting extended string laden introduction, this song transports you back to the awe of the night the Saviour was born. It is bold, stirring and dramatic yet no words are needed as the score swells and scores, telling the narrative with notes and giving all the emotion you need. It is utterly compelling - a masterclass in cinematic delivery; one where you need to listen to the song multiple times to truly appreciate every nuanced moment. 
  • God with God ~ I'll confess, I'm not particularly religious but I often find comfort and soothe in contemporary Christian singers music. I can also appreciate their songs which give other believers strength - this is just such a song. A passionate, reverent delivery of a hymn that rallies the congregation with its heavenly lyrics. That's why the prominent piano and celestial choir aid the song in its purpose. That middle 8 is just amazing.
  • Christmas at Wildwood ~ a tender moment of reflection to close this all too brief yet rewarding EP. Michael reflects on the ghosts of Christmas past via a lilting piano instrumental (the EP's most valuable player after the singer himself) that, like The Star, weaves a wonderful tale of family moments, childhood memories and delivers it with a sadness that often comes when looking back at times gone by. It is a happy sadness though and one that will help you savour the story of each decoration you put on the tree this year.
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