Is The Big Picture a good place to start with Michael W. Smith?

Yes, The Big Picture is recommended as a starting point for new Michael W. Smith listeners. A vibrant blend of pop rock and contemporary Christian sounds, infused with uplifting melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Released in 1986, The Big Picture was Michael W. Smith's second studio album, following his self-titled debut. At this point in his career, he was gaining traction in the contemporary Christian music scene, establishing himself as a leading figure with a growing fanbase.

Who is The Big Picture for?

The Big Picture works well if you're into steady mid-tempo uplifting flow, heartfelt reflections on life and motivational themes for dreaming.

How many songs are on The Big Picture?

The Big Picture has 11 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

The Big Picture

Michael W. Smith · 1986

51 min · 11 tracks · pop rock

A vibrant blend of pop rock and contemporary Christian sounds, infused with uplifting melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Lamu Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
→
Wired for Sound — This track showcases an infectious energy with its catchy chorus, reflecting Smith's ability to fuse pop sensibilities with spiritual themes effectively.
→
Voices — A standout piece that combines introspective lyrics with a soaring melody, highlighting Smith's vocal prowess and emotional depth.
→
Rocketown — This track encapsulates the hopeful spirit of youth and dreams, representing a key theme of the album and resonating deeply with listeners seeking inspiration.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

43 /100

Lowland

Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album features engaging melodies and varied pacing but remains conventional within its genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a vibrant instrumental track, setting an upbeat tone before transitioning into lyrical songs that explore themes of faith and personal growth.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, which create a rich, uplifting sound characteristic of the genre.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo uplifting flow
heartfelt reflections on life
motivational themes for dreaming
sing-along choruses with friends

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer standalone hit tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified Smith's presence in contemporary Christian music.
Career context: Released in 1986, The Big Picture was Michael W. Smith's second studio album, following his self-titled debut. At this point in his career, he was gaining traction in the contemporary Christian music scene, establishing himself as a leading figure with a growing fanbase.
Stylistic neighbors: Amy Grant· Steven Curtis Chapman· Chris Tomlin

New to Michael W. Smith? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Voices

The narrative shifts from personal reflection to collective encouragement as it emphasizes listening to inner voices of hope and truth.

By transitioning from introspection to a communal call, the writing reinforces the importance of shared faith experiences while inviting listeners to engage actively.