Multi-Platinum artist, best-selling author and acclaimed actor Michael W. Smith is taking preorders beginning today for his A Million Lights album set to release Feb. 16 from Rocketown Records and The Fuel Music. Two instant downloads, both "Love Always Wins" and the title track that has USA Today raving "Michael W. Smith is shining brighter than ever," are available now from iTunes, with additional preorder options available from Amazon Music and other digital providers internationally.
Leading up to today's preorder, Yahoo! Music premiered "Love Always Wins," as well as revealed the cover art for A Million Lights, at https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/song-premiere-michael-w-smith-debuts-love-always-wins-145439946.html.
The inspiration behind "Love Always Wins" is "our shifting culture and our hostility towards one another," says Michael. "My parents taught me to love and respect others, even if we had differing points of view. That doesn't seem to be the norm today. I've seen love disarm some volatile situations. It's a simple - but true - principle: love always wins."
"Love Always Wins" and "A Million Lights," along with the rest of the album, was fueled by the divisive national sentiment of 2017 and the mean-spirited banter on social media.
"I've gotten to the point I almost avoid Social Media," laments Michael. "To me, it is so revolting to see Facebook headlines that boast: 'This guy shut down that guy in 20 seconds.' When did it become about 'shutting down' another person. We've lost the value of conversation. That's the dialogue I'd like to open - 'Can we just talk? I don't have to agree with you -and you don't have to agree with me. But can we find some common ground to build on?'"
Last month, USA Today completed its first-ever "Life" section cover story on Michael and premiered his "A Million Lights" music video, which can also be seen now on Michael'sYouTube page.
The full A Million Lights track listing follows:
01) A Million Lights
02) Conversation
03) Something In My Heart
04) Footsteps
05) Your Love
06) Love Always Wins
07) Crashing Waves
08) Louder
09) Revolution
10) Hey Love
11) You Make Me Feel This Way
12) Forgive
13) Who You Are
For all the latest Michael W. Smith news, tour dates - including his 22-city 2017 Christmas tour with Amy Grant, Jordan Smith and a full symphony orchestra that begins tomorrow, go towww.michaelwsmith.com
2017 Christmas Tour:
Sat. Nov. 11 Omaha, NE CenturyLink Center
Mon. Nov. 13 Denver, CO Bellco Theatre
Tue. Nov. 14 Orem, UT UCCU Center
Wed. Nov. 15 Nampa, ID Idaho Center
Thu. Nov. 16 Kennewick, WA Toyota Center
Fri. Nov. 17 Abbotsford, BC Abbotsford Entertainment and Sport Center
Sat. Nov. 18 Everett, WA Xfinity Arena at Everett
Sun. Nov. 19 Portland, OR Moda Center
Sat. Nov. 25 Duluth, GA Infinite Energy Center
Sun. Nov. 26 Tampa, FL Amalie Arena
Thu. Nov. 30 Oklahoma City, OK Crossings Community Church **
Fri. Dec. 1 Tulsa, OK BOK Center
Sat. Dec. 2 Grand Prairie, TX Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie
Sun. Dec. 3 Sugar Land, TX Smart Financial Center
Tues. Dec. 5 Greensboro, NC Westover Church **
Fri. Dec. 8 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
Sat. Dec. 9 Madison, WI Alliant Energy Center
Sun. Dec. 10 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
Thu. Dec. 14 Van Wert, OH Niswonger Performing Arts Center **
Fri. Dec. 15 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena
Sat. Dec. 16 Fairfax, VA Eaglebank Arena
Sun. Dec. 17 Hershey, PA GIANT Center
* All dates and venues are subject to change without notice
** Amy Grant will not appear on these events
About Michael W. Smith: Michael has been releasing new music regularly and performing around the world to sold-out crowds for the last 30+ years. During his storied career, he's written 32 No. 1 singles, been honored with three Grammy Awards and 45 Dove Awards, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and has sold more than 15 million albums. He's also given back to the global community. Michael has raised funds to battle AIDS in Africa alongside longtime friend Bono; started Rocketown, a safe haven for young people in Tennessee to meet and find hope; and has helped more than 70,000 children through Compassion International.
About The Fuel Music: Established in 2008, The Fuel Music & Management, LLC, is a leading artist management and artist solutions company that independently distributes music internationally. Based in Nashville, TN, the Fuel team brings nearly 70 years of combined music industry experience in record label operations, major label distribution and marketing, and artist management for artists ranging from upstart bands to GRAMMY Award nominated, multi-platinum artists. More information on the company can be found at www.thefuelmusic.com.
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