Posted by Don in USA @ 16:27 on Feb 21 2012

A nice welcomed package for the CCM genre was this soft toned album from this all american male athlete.
This album features top notch bgvs by pop icons George Merrill & Shannon Rubicam aka Boy Meets Girl who hit charts year prior with "Oh Girl" & later smash pop hit "Waiting For a Star To Fall". Top notch drummer Carlos Vega, associated with pop icon James Taylor, provides excellent talent for 3 #'s.
The side 1 starter with hymn title "Draw Me Near" immediately takes the listener by the heart. A great new song for CCM! I can't leave out Michael's stand out songwriting skills, they are fresh and heart capturing. Thank you Michael.
"Beyond The Very Best" is top notch CCM, top R & B
singer Deniece Williams offers her very best vocals for the song. Love this song! in addition to the swell keyboards provided by Larry Williams.
Album back liner notes are also given by Deniece.
The nearly 5 minute "Autumn Falls" is highly commendable, another top lp favorite, with bgvs the same;btw Michaels adds his acoustic abilities for this song as well as "Never Go Away".
The 2 minute closer "Speak Softly" speaks with tender acoustic strings by Michael; a perfect end.
Now gone country with songs like "Drink, Swear, Steal & Lie" opposite of "Faith Is" lyrics, where he began. hmmm
Michael should not have stopped at one album for the CCM genre, his kite was just beginning to soar! GOD Bless! Don

Posted by Barb in Mo @ 06:52 on Jun 25 2006

This body of work is very inspiring. The presenter gives the convictions from the heart which means more than just words. Vocals are excellent.