“I’ve finally written a soundtrack for the music in my mind.” –Michael W. Smith on Freedom

Freedom is the album Michael W. Smith has always wanted to do: its instrumental with roots in the historical and personal. The music sways from battle anthems with sharp turns to softer inspirational ballads, filled with the calming power of the Holy Spirit.

For years, Michael has been writing instrumental work, but none of it has ever been recorded. Michael explains, "Some of my favorite music that I have written has never been heard. These songs don’t have words. And I know words can be life changing, but sometimes it only takes the power of a melody.”

This year, through several grief-filled experiences, Michael has rediscovered the healing power of writing music without words: when words can’t express the emotions one feels, music steps in. And he also believes that instrumental scores can bring people the message of Christ. “I believe when people hear this music, by the grace of God, they can be healed. Just like when David played the harp for King Saul, it soothed and comforted.”

Soothing comfort is definitely what Freedom will bring. Fans who have grown up listening to Michael W. Smith are in for a refreshing change — Freedom is music for meditation, prayer, and quiet, something Michael values in the midst of his a busy life, and particularly for him, for those who are dealing with grief. In just a year or two, Michael has battled the death of his friend and mentor Bob Briner, friend and golfer Payne Stewart, the loss of his son's schoolmate Taylor, and quite recently, the unexpected loss of long-time family friend, Carol Ann, in whose memory the record is dedicated.

One evening, late in Taylor's illness, Michael sat at Taylor's home with other praying friends. As the grief and questions washed over him, the only prayer he could fully express was the prayer that came through his fingertips as he sat at the family's piano and spontaneously wrote "Prayer for Taylor." Similar circumstances led to the composition of "Carol Ann" — again, the one most articulate expression of his heart came through the keys of a piano.

These experiences illustrate the power of instrumental music and the ageless themes of "Freedom." Because songs such as these brought peace as they were written, Smith is convinced the record can have a similar impact on all who hear it.

As the mood of the record shifts, listeners are caught up in a celebration of jubilant Irish music-fiddles and flute, orchestra and marching drums. But in the context of the album, it becomes more than a celebration of Ireland, it foreshadows a place of joy where all our pain and questions are finally, fully laid to rest.

"When people listen to this record, I want them to be overcome with hope. Life can be tough, our struggles can weigh us down, but I want this music to be a reminder that God is bigger than all this we see around us. I want this music to soothe the soul and renew our confidence in God's love and care."

Reflecting on the place music occupies in his soul, Michael W. Smith admits, "Sometimes I'm aware that I'm making a record, but other times I just feel like I'm playing for the Lord, and I'd like to think that the Father is smiling."