Michael W. Smith This Is Your Time

Michael W. Smith laid the foundation for his career back in the mid-1980s with a strong appeal and focus on the youth of America. Perhaps it should surprise few that this latest release, This Is Your Time, appears headed in that direction. Whether it's the return to Smitty's keyboard-driven, high-energy pop (thanks to coproducer Bryan Lenox, who also worked on Smith's Go West Young Man) or the lyrical preoccupation with young people finding their way in a troubled world, the release takes a page from some previous glories. The title track is the most gripping, a moving tribute to those students slain at the Columbine High School tragedy. Some of Smitty's best work here comes in the quieter pieces, such as "I Will Be Your Friend," "She Walks with Me," and "Anna." And again, he can rev it up with the anthemic "Hey You It's Me" and "I Still Have the Dream." But other than the pensive "Everybody Free," we see few signs of the mature and seasoned songwriting from the magnificent Live the Life release. One has to wonder why Smitty broke off the path to brilliance. --Michael Lyttle