The First Decade, 1983-1993

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
One of contemporary Christian music's founding fathers, Michael W. Smith offers a brief sampling in this 10-year retrospective. Most of these keyboard-driven songs concern uplifting themes of encouragement, support, and friendship. Some would argue that the lyrical content appeals more to church youth than what Smith displayed in later releases. No matter. While Smith certainly doesn't feature a golden voice, his forte lies in his songwriting, as evidenced throughout this greatest-hits collection. "Place in This World" and "Go West Young Man" are hard-charging anthems with irresistible melodies, while the unique "Rocketown" and "Secret Ambition" show a CCM artist thinking outside the traditional borders. "Kentucky Rose," one of two new songs, perhaps is the most enjoyable and demonstrates where Smith has gone later in the 1990s. --Michael Lyttle

The First Decade, 1983-1993, Music, Michael W. Smith, Adult Contemporary, CCM, Christian Rock, Gospel, Pop, Religious / Contemp. Christian
The First Decade, 1983-1993
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • New Kids On The Block Hangin' Tough
  • Leave off some of his best songs (early years)
  • awesome
  • Timeless Songs...Amazing Songwriter
  • This man changed the face of Christian music forever...
 The First Decade, 1983-1993
Michael W. Smith
Manufacturer: Reunion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Christian RockChristian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
GospelGospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Christian Contemporary MusicChristian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Second Decade 1993-2003
  2. Healing Rain
  3. Worship Again
  4. I'll Lead You Home
  5. Steven Curtis Chapman: Greatest Hits

ASIN: B0000004SB
Release Date: 1993-10-12

Tracks:

  1. do you dream of me
  2. kentucky rose
  3. picture perfect
  4. I will be here for you
  5. give it away
  6. place in this world
  7. go west young man
  8. pray for me
  9. secret ambition
  10. emily
  11. old enough to know
  12. rocketown
  13. I am sure
  14. friends
  15. great is the Lord

Amazon.com

One of contemporary Christian music's founding fathers, Michael W. Smith offers a brief sampling in this 10-year retrospective. Most of these keyboard-driven songs concern uplifting themes of encouragement, support, and friendship. Some would argue that the lyrical content appeals more to church youth than what Smith displayed in later releases. No matter. While Smith certainly doesn't feature a golden voice, his forte lies in his songwriting, as evidenced throughout this greatest-hits collection. "Place in This World" and "Go West Young Man" are hard-charging anthems with irresistible melodies, while the unique "Rocketown" and "Secret Ambition" show a CCM artist thinking outside the traditional borders. "Kentucky Rose," one of two new songs, perhaps is the most enjoyable and demonstrates where Smith has gone later in the 1990s. --Michael Lyttle

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars New Kids On The Block Hangin' Tough .......2007-05-15

I really love this cd, and its awesome, i listen to it every single day,
I have liked New Kids for a very long time, and they are totally awesome.

1 out of 5 stars Leave off some of his best songs (early years).......2007-03-07

All of the songs here are good.

However. Some of Michael W. Smith's Best Songs came from 1985 and earlier..... but he very conspicuously ignores those songs, which I think is rather odd. (And the Friends version is a remake from many, many years later... not the original Amy Grant/MWS version from this time period.)

Just off the top of my head, he left off Wired-for-Sound, Rocketown, Hosanna, I Am Sure, I'm Up, Restless Heart, Could He Be..... ALL major hits on the 1983-85 charts. Perhaps he should have used TWO discs instead of just one disc to cover his first decade, so that he could more accurately represent his Discography. As it stands now, a proper title would be "1987-93" since the early years are so poorly represented.

Disappointing.




5 out of 5 stars awesome.......2006-08-28

I must admit i have not heard Michael's other songs but i really love "do you dream of me?",there's something about it that lifts my soul and at the same time makes me want to cry as it's so sad.
Good on ya Michael!

5 out of 5 stars Timeless Songs...Amazing Songwriter.......2006-07-24

First off, yes...some of these songs scream late-80's/early 90's corny pop. Richard Marx instantly jumps to mind upon the first few seconds of the first track, but after a few listens, whether you're a fan of this kind of music or not, you really appreciate these songs.

No, Michael W. Smith has never been known for his amazing vocals *although his voice is distinguishable.* What this really shows is his strong songwriting. He along with Amy Grant pioneered the art of balancing a successful pop career along with staying a respectable Christian artist.

Although not quite as successful as Grant in the pop field, Mr. Smith did have his flash as a pop music star in the early 90's. "Place In This World" was a big hit hitting #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of his strongest songs to date. "I Will Be Here For You" *cowritten by the amazing Diane Warren* was also a big hit hitting the top 40 and becoming a staple at adult contemporary and lite rock radio. These are the two biggest hits, but not the only worthy songs on the album. The kick-off track "Do You Dream of Me" may be seen as cheese by some, but deep down, it's a gorgeous, heart-felt ballad. "Go West Young Man" is upbeat, catchy pop at it's best.

"Friends" and "Great Is the Lord" have since become contemporary Christian favorites and are still widely sang and enjoyed years later by millions of Christians....not many 80's pop artists can say the same...well...none of them can except maybe Amy Grant.

Highly recommended. You don't have to be a Christian to appreciate him either *although it definitely helps ;)* He's a great songwriter and puts his heart and soul into his music. Probably one of my top three choices in my music collection.

5 out of 5 stars This man changed the face of Christian music forever..........2005-04-20

Great collection of Michael's best stuff. I would of course added about 3 more tracks. Best Of and Greatest Hits don't regularly include "lesser known" songs. 'Cross of Gold' is pure gold and many others are well deserving. This collection is a must for any fan of GOOD music. This is something you can listen to anytime.

I couldn't disagree more with the reviewer above. Synthesized? (spell check?) I don't think so. If you've seen him live (I doubt you have) then you would know MWS has talent and caters to almost every musical taste. And if you made music in the eighties, which he did, you're going to have synthesizers in your production. Your comment is unfounded and down-right rude.

Smitty has repeatedly recorded songs that Christians and non-believers alike have come to enjoy and become some of their favorite songs. I think "nails on a chalkboard" should be reserved for more appropriate genres.

I read your reviews of Clay Aiken and had to laugh. Your discrediting a God fearing musician that actually plays several instruments and "licking the dust of the shoes" of someone that didn't win a talent show. Do the math. I hope you give MWS another try and listen to more than just a few songs. You might find more than you bargaind for.
The First Decade: 1983-1993
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		The First Decade: 1983-1993
    Michael W. Smith
    Manufacturer: Reunion
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
    GospelGospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
    Christian Contemporary MusicChristian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Worship

    ASIN: B0000288R5

    Tracks:

    1. Do You Dream Of Me
    2. Kentucky Rose
    3. Picture Perfect
    4. I Will Be Here For You
    5. Give It Away
    6. Place In This World
    7. Go West Young Man
    8. Pray For Me
    9. Secret Ambition
    10. Emily
    11. Old Enough To Know
    12. Rocketown
    13. I Am Sure
    14. Friends
    15. Great Is The Lord
    The First Decade: 1983-1993
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		The First Decade: 1983-1993
      Michael W. Smith
      Manufacturer: ZOMBA/REUNION
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
      GospelGospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
      Christian Contemporary MusicChristian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
      Similar Items:
      1. The Second Decade 1993-2003
      2. Healing Rain

      ASIN: B000008KUF
      Release Date: 1993-10-12

      Tracks:

      1. Do You Dream of Me? - Michael W. Smith,
      2. Kentucky Rose - Michael W. Smith,
      3. Picture Perfect - Michael W. Smith,
      4. I Will Be Here for You - Michael W. Smith, Michael W. Smith
      5. Give It Away - Michael W. Smith,
      6. Place in This World - Michael W. Smith,
      7. Go West Young Man - Michael W. Smith, Michael W. Smith
      8. Pray for Me - Michael W. Smith,
      9. Secret Ambition - Michael W. Smith, Michael W. Smith
      10. Emily - Michael W. Smith,
      11. Old Enough to Know - Michael W. Smith,
      12. Rockettown - Michael W. Smith, Michael W. Smith
      13. I Am Sure - Michael W. Smith,
      14. Friends - Michael W. Smith, Michael W. Smith
      15. Great Is the Lord - Michael W. Smith,

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