Rocketown Records / The Fuel Music

Release Date: March 15th 2024

Reviewed by: Joshua Andre

Michael W. Smith– Worthy Is The Lamb (EP) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)

Track Listing:

1. Were You There
2. Above All
3. In Christ Alone
4. Agnus Dei
5. Crimson Dust

Michael W. Smith is a CCM legend. Synonymous with CCM pop and worship music in the 80’s, 90’s, 2000’s and the 2010’s; Michael has created and delivered to us one of the most popular, respected and impacting careers from the 80’s onwards, of any Christian musician. With virtually only Amy Grant and Steven Curtis Chapman – his contemporaries – active as a solo artist at this very moment, Michael has delivered with him throughout the years- a legacy that any other musician should be extremely envious and proud of. With millions of his songs touching hearts and lives all around the world, inclusive of his singles “Friends”, “This Is Your Time”, “Live The Life”, “Missing Person”, “Healing Rain”, “You Won’t Let Go”, “Above All” and the recent hit “Waymaker”; it seems like Michael has accomplished all that he has wanted to and needed to. And we as a site have certainly felt Michael’s impact and influence- you can read our blog about Michael and his unparalleled and definite influence here. Michael re-recorded his 2001 album Worship in 2021, and released the project as Worship Forever, while he has since unveiled his new singles “Sing Again” and the instrumental track “Cry For Hope”. We’ve also reviewed Michael’s song for Father’s Day- “Dusty Road”. Michael has also released a brand new Christmas project-  Every Christmas released last year, while we reviewed his Christmas EP Christmas At Home in 2022. And now, Smitty has dropped something new. No, it’s not a brand new album. that would’ve been nice, as Smitty’s last studio project was in 2018 with A Million Lights. But… I guess it’s the next best thing. Worthy Is The Lamb (EP), a worship EP of 5 songs, released a few months ago. And I guess as we wait with abated breath for a brand new studio album, whenever that arises, then this 5 song EP is a timely reminder of Smitty’s status amongst CCM legends, and his prowess as a singer and as a worship leader as well.

Crimson Dust, which I wrote with Tony Wood, sets the scene of the day of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. My prayer is that it reminds us how heaven touched earth and changed history that day. I love the thought of people around the world singing together ‘Holy, Holy, Holy, Jesus Lamb of God.’

There’s nothing much to say about this short but punchy and impactful EP. “Agnus Dei”, the Paul Baloche and Lenny LeBlanc penned “Above All” and the timeless classic hymn “In Christ Alone” are inspiring and powerful offerings here, and Smitty’s worshipful heart, passion, and zeal for Jesus, are all on display for all of us to hear and see. “Were You There”, another impactful and hard-hitting hymn, is also covered by Smitty, and though there isn’t really anything ‘new’ here, these songs still have power, gravitas, impact and weight. The EP closes with the original melody “Crimson Dust”, with Smitty delivering a worthy Easter-themed track that speaks about Jesus dying on the cross and then rising from the dead 3 days later and paying the price for all of our sins.

If you are a fan of Michael W. Smith’s music period, then Worthy Is The Lamb (EP) should definitely resonate with you. However, for those of you who want a bit of creativity from Michael and see him harken back to the days of Wonder, Healing Rain, I’ll Lead You Home or even Live the Life, then you may not find something worthwhile and poignant here- perhaps A Million Lights would be a better bet? This EP is more straightforward and worshipful- you may not love this EP though if you aren’t a fan of worship music in general. But in any case, Worthy Is The Lamb (EP) reminds me that Michael still impacts a generation even now with his music. Michael’s passion to lead people into a moment of worship and into communion with Jesus, need not be denied, but his ability to be a storyteller and invoke real emotion, is one of the best in the industry today. So as we sit back and listen to Michael’s latest collection of worshipful melodies, let us also anticipate what is next in Michael’s career. For anyone who loves traditional sounding worship songs and hymns; then this EP will definitely be for you. Well done, Michael, I can’t wait to hear what God has in store for your next!

3 songs to listen to: Above All, In Christ Alone, Crimson Dust

Score: 4/5

RIYL: Steven Curtis Chapman, Avalon, Point of Grace, Amy Grant, Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli