By Robert M. Sutton

While there is a spiritual side to The Michael Smith Band, it cannot be pegged as a Christian band. Like U2 and Jars of Clay, the group is able to coexist within the religious and secular world, appealing to both without offending the other. It's a fragile balance; any slight tipping of the scales in either direction carries the risk of alienating a particular fan base. For the most part, Smith doesn't call God by name in his lyrics; his approach is more subtle, often letting the word "you" refer to a higher power. In "I've Got Love," Smith sings, "But in my darkest hour, you were with me all along." Overcoming tragedy and despair is the theme that binds the CD, and Smith is able to convey his hopeful, uplifting messages without preachiness or sentimental sap.

Musically, Smith takes his cues from U2 and other adult alternative acts. The title track is awash with Edge-like guitar shimmer as Smith's comforting vocals are carried aloft by immaculate keyboards and an additional layer of acoustic seasoning. It's majestic and startlingly pretty, almost sounding like offspring from U2's October album. "Today I watched them take your body away/I wonder why it has to be this way," Smith laments, reflecting the televised images of death and destruction from the war in Iraq. (Its video has been recently nominated by the L.A. Music Awards as among the year's best.) On "Mother Earth," though, Smith spins a new web, utilizing Spanish backdrop to reveal his concerns over the environment.

Smith's voice seems familiar even though he really doesn't sound like anybody else. Perhaps it's his friendly tone, as gentle and coffeehouse warm as James Taylor at times. However, that doesn't mean that Smith doesn't get aggressive. "Fancy Free Society" is particularly gritty, a fairly raw blues cut that exposes his sharper corners. But it's the smooth, handsomely polished meat-and-potatoes rock that Smith serves here that hypnotizes the senses.

Track listing: Days of Wonder; Mother Earth; The Iron Will Stand Forever; We May Never Love Again; Elizabeth; I've Got Love; Fancy Free Society; Open Heart; It Was You; I Will Live.

Personnel: Michael Smith: vocals, acoustic guitar; Rick Witkowski: electric guitar, background vocals; Jamie Peck: saxophone; Anthony Rankin: drums, keyboards, piano, Moog synthesizer.

Style: Beyond Jazz
Published: April 05, 2009

Source: All About Jazz