Michael W. Smith - "The Big Picture"
Year: 1986
Label: Reunion
Favorite songs: Pursuit of the Dream, Lamu, Wired For Sound, Old Enough to Know, The Last Letter, You're Alright
Lyric sample: "Comin' on like a tidal wave that washes through the brain / A state of mind / No dispute when the noise is made and so it lets the blind / Lead the blind / Lured by charisma / To be swayed to believe // Word of mouth is the counselor / There is no need for proof / In a world that's wired for sound / The tongue becomes a mighty sword / That battles the truth / In a world that's wired for sound"
Reaching back to the year of my birth, I've pulled out this unusual album by Michael W. Smith. Probably to some it's been forgotten, lost in the annals of history, overshadowed by more mature releases like Live the Life or Dove winners like Go West Young Man. I remember when I first heard this album I wasn't expecting much. It was older and so I somehow thought that it would be softer and quieter, although I had already been disappointed by Smith's more recent (at the time) I'll Lead You Home. When I put this on I surprised at the sonic assault. A swelling wave of sound gave rise to pulsing synths and drum loops, followed soon by Chris Rodriguez' wailing guitar licks.
"Lamu" and "Wired for Sound" assured me I was listening to no fluffy, generic 80's album - and no fluffy, generic Smith album either. These two songs alone carry enough worth to recommend this disc for a listen. To me, they are superior at least on the level of musical robustness, to the more popular songs like "Rocketown" and "Old Enough to Know." These were the two offerings that made Smith's first hits record in 1992. It's not really surprising that "Old Enough" made the cut. This really is a good song and because it's not over the top like some others on the record, it doesn't sound as dated. "Rocketown," however, is more quirky than anything. Sure, it's a good song, and in some ways it's the moral center of the record. I suspect its popularity is due to radio attention it received at the time of its release, though my initial inquiry into the matter was inconclusive). Radio people are notorious for shying away from great songs if they are ambitious and instead picking merely good ones that fit their format. But enough of that.
I consider The Big Picture is Smith's first great album. One of the things that makes this album special is that it marks the first pairing of Michael W. Smith with long-time collaborated Wayne Kirkpatrick. Kirkpatrick is a prolific and truly gifted lyricist, and the music benefits from his input. The songs strive with the youth of the nation. There is a zest for life even while dealing with some difficult issues like suicide, bad relationships, the erosion of truth, and more. Smith encourages the kids to follow God, chase their dreams, and make the most of their life. Of course the music is growing, too, and we see here a more aggressive, creative, and diverse grouping of songs than appeared on his previous two releases. One need only listen to "You're Alright," a raw rocker driven by the pounding snare and growling guitar that boasts the record's longest guitar solo in the outro. One of my favorites is The Last Letter - which is, you guessed it, an anti-suicide song. "Voices" as the ballad is kind of a weak spot, and "Goin' Through the Motions" is a little silly, but it's loud and fun. When I listen to it I can't help but think it's pretty awesome. It's the "Help You Find Your Way" of this record. Leave it to Michael W. to take such a cliche title and turn it into something great.
Smitty fans should look back and check this out if they don't own it or haven't listened to it in a while. 80's fans should find it an interesting period piece. Christian music aficionados will hopefully recognize its significance and who knows - maybe they'll even find themselves tapping their toes.
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