Michael W. Smith: Sovereign review

22 albums into an artist’s career, you’d think it would be hard to create something new and fresh that can stand up next to their past work. Often times when someone is that far into their career, they’re just releasing music to release it and it isn’t very impressive but it couldn’t be more the opposite with Michael W. Smith’s Sovereign, which is easily some of this most powerful work. Opening with “You Won\’t Let Go,” the lead single, it’s clear Smith has something to say and a message that can’t be denied. That message is that no matter what, God won’t turn away; he won’t watch you fall and he’ll always be there to catch you- regardless of your mistakes and flaws. “Heaven Come Down” may be one of the most anthemic songs Smith has ever written and recorded and it won’t be long until it’s being sung by worship teams everywhere. You can close your eyes and picture it being played live and thousands of people singing along. “Miracle” and “Sky Spills Over” keep the momentum coming and Smith doesn’t let up until the very end of the final track, “The One that Really Matters,” which features a duet with Kari Jobe. Its impressive how powerful and dominant Sovereign is and fans will be moved from the second they start listening. With Sovereign, Smith proves why he’s still one of the top recording artists in Christian music and shows he’s not going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, he’s got much more left in the tank and when it’s all said and done this could go down as one of the best records of his career. Rating: 8.5/10 -Reggie Edwards