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Worship Again Review

After the huge success of his 2001 release Worship, Michael W. Smith decided to follow up with this CD. While the title is unfortunately very unoriginal, the CD itself is as wonderful as the first one was. Again, the majority of the CD is from a live recording featuring Michael W. Smith on lead vocal and piano with others on other instruments and a few people providing the additional vocals. He didn't reunite the all star group from the first CD, but this group of musicians does just as fine a job. The song selection was more unfamiliar to me when I first got it, but there are some standout songs here as well. My favorite would have to be "The Wonderful Cross." I just love this modern take on the classic hymn. Two Rich Mullins classics are featured, "I See You" near the end and "Step by Step" as part of the opening medley with "Forever We Will Sing." I also really enjoy the last live track, "You are Holy (Prince of Peace)." Once again, the studio cuts feature a song already on the CD live, this time its "Lord Have Mercy" which includes vocals from Amy Grant. He also includes "Here I Am to Worship" and, as a bonus track, "There She Stands," a patriotic song in honor of the US flag. While I like the song, I do wonder what it is doing on a worship CD.

Fans of the original will love this follow-up. Anyone looking for a good praise CD will find this one fits the bill.

Review by: Mark Baker