#21: Michael W. Smith — The Big Picture (1986)

Intro

Appearing in The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music, The Big Picture (1986) captures an artist at a creative and spiritual crossroads. The record fuses craft and conviction in ways that still resonate with listeners decades later.

The Album in Context

This project emerged in a moment when Christian-influenced music was stretching past its boundaries—experimenting with new sounds, lyrical approaches, and production styles. The album’s sonic world reflects that restlessness, whether through layered guitars, analog synths, gospel choirs, or meticulously arranged band performances.

Within the CCM ecosystem (and, in some cases, far beyond it), this release expanded expectations for what faith-oriented art could be. Its songs weren’t content to stay in safe, church-approved lanes; instead, they engaged culture, doubt, beauty, and discipleship with unusual honesty and imagination.

Standout Songs

• “Pursuit of the Dream” — A signature track that embodies the record’s sound and central themes.
• “Lamu” — A fan favorite whose arrangement and lyric showcase the album’s creative ambition.
• “Wired for Sound” — A deep-cut or cornerstone song that continues to shape how listeners remember the project.

Why It Matters

Artistically, this album stands as a masterclass in intentional record-making: carefully crafted parts, memorable hooks, and performances that serve the spiritual weight of the material. It helped raise the bar for excellence in Christian music and adjacent scenes.

Historically, it marks a turning point—either for the artist, the genre, or both. Its impact can be traced in artists who followed: in their production choices, lyrical depth, and willingness to engage both the sacred and the everyday with equal seriousness.

What’s Next

Tomorrow in The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music, we continue climbing toward the Top 10. Be sure to listen to the companion podcast episode of The CCM Professor with Greg Rice for deeper stories, song clips, and commentary on how these albums came to be.

Soli Deo Gloria!

This post is part of the series The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music, celebrating the artists and recordings that defined a generation of faith-filled creativity.

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