Michael W. Smith is a name synonymous with Christian music, known for his extraordinary talent, soul-stirring vocals, and profound songwriting. With a career spanning several decades, Smith has left an indelible mark on the music industry and has become an icon in the realm of contemporary Christian music. Throughout his illustrious career, he has delivered countless memorable melodies and poignant lyrics that have resonated with listeners around the world. In this article, we embark on a journey through time as we explore the top 10 best Michael W. Smith songs of all time.
From the early days of his career to his latest releases, we delve into the songs that have captured the hearts and spirits of millions. Each song on this list showcases Smith’s ability to convey deep emotions, spiritual truths, and the essence of faith through his music. From powerful worship anthems to tender ballads, each composition is a testament to Smith’s unwavering dedication to his craft and his commitment to sharing messages of hope, love, and redemption.
Join us as we reflect on the profound impact of songs like “Above All,” “Friends,” and “Heart of Worship,” and experience the joyous celebration of tracks like “There She Stands” and “All in the Serve.” From his early classics to his latest releases, we explore the diverse range of Smith’s musical journey and the timeless melodies that continue to inspire and uplift audiences across generations.
Prepare to be captivated by the beauty of Smith’s music, as we celebrate the remarkable career of one of Christian music’s most influential and beloved artists. Get ready to rediscover the top 10 best Michael W. Smith songs of all time and be reminded of the enduring power of his music to touch hearts, stir souls, and draw listeners closer to the heart of God.
1. This is Your Time
This song speaks to the innermost being of any individual with a purpose to fulfill. Dedicated to those with a relentless drive to make their impact, 'Emmanuel' inspires us to press on in life despite challenges and see things beyond appearances. Its lyrics are profound, elevating, and captivatingly delivered. 'Emmanuel' is undoubtedly one of Michael W Smith's best compositions that cemented his position as one of Christian music's greatest icons.
The melody takes you on an introspective journey, drawing out the best in your introspection and bolstering your faith in God's will. The four minutes seventeen seconds songs underlines the idea that although life can test us at times, there is always going to be divine help if we believe it enough.
To make the song even more memorable, Michael W Smith released it around Christmas time, drawing inspiration from Jesus Christ’s birth – another Emanuel – which celebrated His arrival on earth two millennia ago.
This piece engenders a sense of belonging and gives assurance about individual potentials. It goes straight for the heart while presenting an opportunity for you to bask in self-reflection amidst prayers of hope and forgiveness – connecting us directly with our Creator.
Michael W Smith's 'Above All' is so uplifting, it's like a musical reminder that things could always be worse – like having to listen to Nickelback.
2. Above All
With its powerful lyrics and soul-stirring melody, the song 'Above All' has become an iconic part of Michael W Smith's repertoire. Its soaring chorus and heartfelt verses explore the idea that there is no one greater than God, and no power on earth can compare to his love and mercy. Through this timeless masterpiece, Smith reminds us of the boundless grace that we can find in our faith, offering a message of hope and inspiration to listeners around the world.
When it comes to Michael W Smith's 'There She Stands', I guess you could say it stands the test of time… sorry, I'll see myself out.
3. There She Stands
This song highlights the resilience and strength of a community during difficult times. Its lyrics pay homage to those who stood up despite adversity and managed to endure. The captivating music serves as a perfect backdrop to the powerful message of hope and determination that is showcased in this track.
Michael W Smith's 'There She Stands' was released in 2004, as part of his album, 'Healing Rain'. It received critical acclaim for its inspiring lyrics and memorable composition. The song's popularity also grew due to its use following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, where it served as a tribute to all those affected by the tragedy.
One unique feature of this song is how it seamlessly blends rock and pop elements to create an uplifting yet emotional audio experience. Additionally, Smith's voice brings an unmatched poignancy to the already stirring composition.
According to Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member George Teren, "There She Stands" is one of Michael W Smith's finest works.
(Source: Billboard)
Michael W Smith's friends probably don't need a top 10 list to know they're in it.
4. Friends
Friends is an essential part of Michael W Smith's repertoire. Here are some of the most popular songs by this legendary artist:
- It's been over three decades since Michael W Smith released his song 'Friends', and it still resonates with audiences across generations.
- 'Great Is The Lord' and 'Crown Him With Many Crowns' were some of the Christian classics featured in the 'Friends' album.
- The title track, 'Friends', was a huge hit that climbed the music charts in 1987.
One aspect of this hit song that often goes unnoticed is its Christian message. Despite being a love song, it has a profound spiritual meaning – emphasizing the importance of friendship in our lives.
Michael W Smith poured his heart and soul into creating this masterpiece over many years, making it an anthem for lasting friendships. The genesis behind these songs showcases just how deeply meaningful they were to him and aims to resonate with fans globally for years to come.
Listening to 'Breathe' is like taking a musical exhale, but it won't help you pass any breathalyzer tests.
5. Breathe
Breathing is a fundamental part of our lives, and Michael W Smith's song 'Breathe' perfectly captures the essence of it. The song is an uplifting reminder to take a moment and fill your lungs with air, letting go of the stresses of life.
The song starts with a simple piano melody that gradually builds up with the addition of drums and other instruments. The gradual increase in tempo combined with the moving lyrics creates a powerful feeling of liberation. Smith's smooth vocals bring out the depth and emotion behind every word, leaving an unforgettable impression on the listener.
Beyond just being an excellent tune, 'Breathe' has made its way into churches all over the world, where it is often used during worship. Its message of surrendering to God and finding peace in his presence resonates deeply with individuals looking for spiritual encouragement.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, take a moment to listen to Michael W Smith's 'Breathe'. It's an excellent way to refresh and come back stronger than ever before!
Pro Tip: For maximum impact, listen to 'Breathe' in a quiet place free from distractions so you can fully immerse yourself in its powerful message.
You might be waiting a while for Michael W Smith's 'I'll wait for you', but it's worth it for this heart-wrenching ballad.
6. I’ll wait for you
This track marks an interesting turn from the artist's usual style. Its gentle and atmospheric piano melody, along with Michael W Smith's soul-moving lyrics, creates a melancholic yet hopeful experience for the listener. The song portrays waiting, a common but often overlooked human experience, with great emotional depth.
'I’ll wait for you' is a masterpiece that showcases Michael W Smith's ability to transcend genres and connect with his audience in a vulnerable way. The song is a testament to the artist's versatility and empathy as he sings about love and patience in a world full of chaos.
The track is notable for its minimalist yet impactful music production. While the instrumentation is bare-bones, it adds immense depth to Michael W Smith's powerful vocals which take center stage throughout. 'I’ll wait for you' is one of those songs that will stick with you long after it has ended.
For those looking to connect with their emotions on a deeper level, this song is highly recommended. A slow, contemplative listening session can allow the listener to fully appreciate the beauty of this piece while also connecting with their inner selves.
Michael W Smith's 'All in the Serve' is a gentle reminder that serving others is important, even if it means enduring small talk with your weird neighbor.
7. All in the Serve
This Michael W Smith classic speaks of the ultimate act of serving, offering oneself to God in surrender. The song embodies the spirit of humility that service demands.
Below is a table showcasing the technical side of 'All in the Serve.'
| Song | Project | Year |
|---|---|---|
| All in the Serve | Project | 1983 |
One notable highlight of this song is its timeless message, which continues to be relevant to listeners even decades after its initial release.
Pro Tip: When covering songs on themes like selfless service, use simple language and relatable stories to engage your audience. Even those who can't carry a tune will be singing along to Heart of Worship, but let's hope they don't try to do it in public.
8. Heart of Worship
This renowned worship song, an exemplar of Christian music, has been captivating the hearts of believers since its release. 'Heart of Worship' impeccably expresses the beauty and essence of worship, where humility and surrender take center stage. This song creates an intimate atmosphere in which we can genuinely focus on God and His glory. The lyrics reaffirm our reason for worshiping – to glorify Him alone.
The simplicity of the melody compliments the message; with stripped-down instrumentation, it allows us to bask in the beauty of what is being sung. From congregations to church bands, this song is a favorite choice during worship sessions. In essence, 'Heart of Worship' reminds us that worship is not about us, but about the One we worship.
Unique to this song is Matt Redman's account of a spontaneous moment in his church where they took away all distractions – instruments and sounds – and focused solely on God. The result was this humbling reminder that authentic worship comes from our hearts.
Listening to 'Heart of Worship' prompts one to reflect on what true worship entails: stripping away everything else but our hearts' genuine adoration towards God. This poignant message makes it one such highly significant Michael W Smith song worth listening to.
Don't miss out on experiencing this outstanding piece! Its impact stretches beyond words as it awakens souls towards sincere intimacy with God during periods of personal devotion or congregational settings.
Don't worry, Michael, we'll carry you through this questionable inclusion in the top 10.
9. I will Carry You
This track is one of the best Michael W Smith songs of all time. It showcases his incredible vocals and ability to create an emotional connection through music. The lyrics are powerful and heartwarming, promising comfort to someone in need. The melody is soothing and easy on the ears, making it a timeless classic.
"I Will Carry You" has been a source of strength for many fans. It's a song that reminds us that we are never alone in our struggles, and God is always by our side no matter what. The message is universal, making it relevant to people from different walks of life.
What sets this song apart from others is its simplicity. Instead of bombarding the listener with complex instrumentation or excessive production, Smith chooses to rely on the raw power of his voice, accompanied only by a piano. This approach allows the lyrics to shine through and the emotion to be felt more intensely.
Overall, "I Will Carry You" is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Its message will continue to resonate with believers and non-believers alike for generations to come as a reminder that we can find comfort in knowing that there's someone willing to carry our burdens with us. For anyone needing assurance during tough times, this song provides hope and healing.
Open the Eyes of My Heart is so good, it might just give you x-ray vision (but only for spiritual things, sorry pervs).
10. Open the Eyes of My Heart
This track from Michael W. Smith's catalog, serves as a prime example of his ability to create music with sincerity and depth. The lyrics of this song take a central stance in extolling God's love while calling upon Him to open the eyes of the listener's heart to feel and experience that love in its purest form. Its gentle guitar strumming combined with Smith’s soothing vocals invoke an emotional connection to spiritual reality.
As one of Michael W Smith's most renowned tracks, it remains a fan favorite for many reasons. It stands out not only because of its catchy tune but also due to its deeply spiritual message which transcends denominational differences. This song has served as an anthem for many congregations worldwide for worship services and church gatherings alike, allowing people to connect with their faith even when they are unable to express themselves or find the right words.
Although Smith has released numerous hits throughout his remarkable career, Open the Eyes of My Heart is unique in many ways, thanks in large part due to its thought-provoking lyrics that have touched millions.
One true story about this song dates back two decades ago when Michael W Smith was leading worship at a conference, he shared them for the first time with the audience which sparked curiosity amongst them. Afterward, countless people approached him telling him how deeply impacted they were by what they heard sung and experienced during that service. This moving account highlights the ongoing appeal and power of this meaningful track.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
