Martin Smith released Back To The Start on Oct. 21.
The album combines tracks from Martin’s recent solo albums as well as tracks that were featured on his recent tour with Bethel Music. The production value on the album is superb. Each track is layered with rich melodies that carry Martin’s vocals through the songs. While I found the record to be a bit redundant in its material it is nice to see the direction that Martin is taking in his post Delirious? days. As you listen to the album you can get a sense that Martin Smith is having fun and enjoying the music that is being created.
The first single on the record is “Emmanuel”; here is a link to the video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfIthMfwlyI
The song was co written with Matt Redman and Nick Herbert. It has a bit of an anthem feel to it and the more I have listened to it, I can hear the church body singing this. It is a song that speaks to God being HERE and with us always. This is definitely the stand out on the album.
Other standouts are “Awake My Soul”, “Song of Solomon”, and “Fire Never Sleeps”.
The reworked “Waiting Here For You” features Sarah Bird on the duet and while nothing new happens with the arrangement it is very beautiful with the dual vocals.
While Back To The Start does not offer much in terms of “new” songs for your Sunday morning service, it is a solid record by a legend within the worship world.
For more information on the album and Martin Smith’s current tour check out his website: www.martinsmith.tv