Style: Cinematic, orchestral; compare to film scores and Smith’s Christmas albums
Top tracks: “The Patriot,” “Heroes,” “Whitaker’s Wonder”
Smith is no stranger to the symphony. His trio of orchestral Christmas projects and 2000’s gold-selling instrumental project, Freedom, have successfully showcased the Christian pop icon’s non-vocal artistry in a unique format for two decades. Recorded with a 65-piece London orchestra, Glory uses Smith’s famously devout piano to center a soiree of orchestral emotion inspired by love of God (“Redemption”), country (“The Patriot,” think Mel Gibson film) and—now as a grandfather—his growing family (“Whitaker’s Wonder”). Occasional programming distracts from the purity of instrumental composition, but overall, Glory showcases Smith’s endearing creative spirit as a legendary class act.
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