Christian singer Michael W. Smith has created a unique behind-the-scenes video for his new Christmas album. The video literally takes viewers into the studio to watch Smith, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Jennifer Nettles, Little Big Town, Vince Gill and Amy Grant record their contributions to the album.
The album, titled "Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas," also features duets with Martina McBride, Little Big Town and Nettles, as well as appearances from Bono and Michael McDonald, The Boot reports.
"I think Nashville is home to some of the most talented people on Earth," says Smith in an interview with Rolling Stone. "To get to sing with artists like Carrie Underwood, Lady A, Michael McDonald - really, everyone on this album - was such an honor," according to Taste of Country.
The country collaboration, released Sept. 30, marks Smith's fourth holiday release, which he calls "the most unique and unusual record I've ever done in my 31-year career," adds The Boot.
Check out the behind-the-scenes video here.
In addition to the new album, Smith will bring holiday cheer to audiences across the country with his The Spirit of Christmas Tour, set to hit several cities in the U.S. and Canada. Partnering with the singer as the official tour sponsor is Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, according to EB Media PR.
Earlier this year, Smith debuted his first classic hymns album, aptly named "Hymns," exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations and online at www.crackerbarrel.com. The tremendous success of the album, which was recently nominated for a Dove Award for Inspirational Album of the Year, led to Cracker Barrel Old Country Store signing on as the official tour sponsor, adds EB Media PR.
Smith has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 28 No. 1 songs, earned three Grammy Awards, one American Music Award, and more than 40 Dove Awards. Most recently, in celebration of ASCAP's 100th Anniversary, Smith, along with Amy Grant, was honored as "a cornerstone of Christian music," for his groundbreaking career and significant influence on the genre, reports EB Media PR.
"Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas" Album Track List:
1."The Miracle of Christmas"
2. "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year"
3. "Happy Holiday/Holiday Season"
4. "Christmas Time Is Here" (feat. Vince Gill)
5. "White Christmas" (feat. Lady Antebellum)
6. "Somewhere in My Memory"
7. "The Spirit of Christmas"
8. "Silent Night" (feat. Little Big Town)
9. "What Child Is This" (feat. Martina McBride)
10. "Almost There" (feat. Amy Grant)
11. "All Is Well" (feat. Carrie Underwood)
12. "Christmas Day" (feat. Jennifer Nettles)
13. "The Darkest Midnight" (with spoken word by Bono)
14. "Peace" (feat. Michael McDonald)
The Spirit of Christmas Tour Dates:
All dates subject to change
November 30 - Anaheim, CA
December 1 - Modesto, CA
December 3 - Clarksville, TN
December 4 - Nashville, TN
December 5 - Birmingham, AL
December 6 - Richmond, VA
December 11 - Wichita, KS
December 12 - Dallas, TX*
December 13 - Minneapolis, MN*
December 15 - Atlanta, GA*
December 18 - Spokane, WA
December 19 - Portland, OR
December 20 - Seattle, WA
December 21 - Abbotsford, BC, Canada
*Co-headline with Amy Grant
