Decades of Worship

Decades of Worship gathers the best of Michael W. Smith’s worship songs from the albums Worship, Worship Again, A New Hallelujah, and Healing Rain. Smith’s treatment of modern worship music highlights his gifts as a composer and arranger, combining a feel for older symphonic forms as well as a sure grasp of the dynamics of contemporary pop. Decades of Worship avoids chronological sequencing in favor of a thematically paced track list, moving from the choral grandeur of “Awesome God” into the stately flow of “Mighty to Save” and the sweet hymnody of “Agnus Dei.” Tracks as sonically different as the shimmering “Breathe,” the rousing “A New Hallelujah," and the exalted “Healing Rain” are united by a reverent lyric message and a polished production approach. Smith’s vocals and piano are featured throughout, yet they take a secondary role to the songs' content. A remastered version of “Great Is the Lord” (from Smith’s 1983 debut album) takes the album full circle as it praises God with an open heart, a humble spirit, and a soaring melody.