Freedom

1	Freedom 3:37
2	The Offering 1:26
3	Carol Ann 3:34
4	The Giving 3:18
5	Hibernia 4:47
6	Letter To Sarah 1:45
7	Freedom Battle 4:33
8	Cry Of The Heart 2:23
9	Prayer For Taylor 3:01
10	The Call 5:02
11	Thy Word 3:30
12	Free Man 3:56

Barnes & Noble

That renowned vocalist Michael W. Smith would issue an all-instrumental album might come as a surprise, but it shouldn't. Smith has always been a composer first and a pop star second. Indeed, his very first release, 1983's Michael W. Smith Project, tellingly opened with the instrumental synth piece "Sonata in D Major." Since then, Smith has included at least one instrumental composition on just about every record. With that in mind, Freedom is classic Smitty, blending dramatic orchestral arrangements and gentle piano touches along with his usual Celtic flavorings. Smith calls these songs the soundtrack of his mind, and Freedom does indeed carry the stamp of a movie score: strong melodies, pure arrangements, and a range of emotions that runs from the dramatic to the tender. That Smith hasn't followed fellow recording artists Randy Newman and Danny Elfman into scoring films remains a mystery, since he has such an obvious talent for the idiom. The music on Freedom, however, is evocative enough to conjure up plenty of images on its own. Lisa Zhito

All Music Guide

Michael W. Smith is finally getting a chance to "get real." After 25 number one songs, numerous Dove Awards, and seven million in record sales Smith's favorite music is now being heard. With his 14th recording, Michael W. Smith has released his first instrumental disc entitled Freedom. Kicking off the release is the title track. Depicting the themes of war, the cut is momentous with marching drums and the undeniable feeling of triumph stamped throughout the tune. "Carol Ann" is a painful and personal song for Smith. The number was written after the loss of a close family friend and possesses the fragile nuances that endure piano melodies to the heart. The same could be said for the tune "The Giving," where the piano and strings flow vividly throughout. Aided by the Irish Film Orchestra "Hibernia" is a taste of Dublin. Lively fiddles and flutes punctuate the tune's Irish flare. "Freedom Battle" builds to a climatic roar. The song offers vivid interpretations of a battlefield with an exciting interplay of varied instrumentation. "The Call" is the most contemporary tune on the release. A funky bass and driving drums accentuate the piano peppered throughout. Closing the disc with splendor is the song "Free Man." The interplay of smooth lead guitar and sweeping synths is spectacular. Freedom is a release comprised of the dreams and aspirations of Michael W. Smith. The disc secures his place as a multi-talented artist and adds the label of instrumentalists to an impressive resumé. ~ Steven Losey, All Music Guide