Not content to sit still, in his creative processes or in his relationships, GRAMMY®-winning singer/songwriter/producer Michael W. Smith challenges listeners to find their own calls to respond, within the content of his latest album Stand, which releases November 7th.

Through his church work away from the public spotlight, amid the new interaction that having children growing into young adulthood brings, and in the viewing of a world crying out for answers, Smith takes a stand and asks listeners to join him. Stand issues a call.

“It is a call to stand outside of the walls of the church, rubbing shoulders with the lost,” Michael says of the new project. “It is a call to stand because you’ve captured a glimpse of something so powerful you cannot stay seated. It is a call to stand for the One who gave it all.”

Stand releases to retail through Smith’s longtime label home Reunion Records and also marks a number of creative firsts for the veteran artist.

• It’s the first project on which Smith hasn’t served in a lone-production capacity, turning to seasoned producer Matt Bronleewe to craft the overall direction of the tracks.

• It’s the first studio project where Smith has recorded songs he hasn’t written or co-written, turning to collaborators such as Bronleewe, longtime friend Amy Grant, fast-rising songwriter Leeland Mooring and even his own son Tyler Smith for contributions.

• It’s the fastest-paced production effort Smith has been involved with, 40 days from start to finish, necessitated by the early 2006 Smith experienced as he promoted The Second Chance, his acting debut in a feature film.

• Michael has never issued a call like this before. He’s challenged us to “Live the Life” and has inspired us through albums including, “This is Your Time” and “Healing Rain.” For years, he has led us in worship, but he has never said, “I’m taking a stand. Will you join me?”

Smith will support Stand with a fall tour hitting nearly two dozen cities, including a stop in Winnipeg together with Casting Crowns on October 22nd. Details can found on YMZ’s concert listings. Stay tuned to YourMusicZone.com as we will have more on Stand in the next few days.

Before the release of Stand, a “best of” Platinum Series collection will be available at Canadian Christian retailers on October 3rd. Visit Smith’s YMZ artist page for more details.

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