Freedom is the twelveth studio album by Christian singer-songwriter Michael W. Smith, released on November 21, 2000 by Reunion Records.
It is Smith's first all-instrumental album. During Smith's early career in the 1980s, he would include an instrumental track or two on each of his albums. Now Smith showcases this album of 11 new instrumental compositions and an instrumental cover of "Thy Word" which he co-wrote with Amy Grant for her 1984 album Straight Ahead. With Smith on the piano (and occasional keyboards), Freedom has an orchestral feel sound with some pop/contemporary touches. Smith and Byran Lenox produced the album.
Freedom peaked at number 2 on the Top Christian Albums and number 70 on the Top 200 Albums charts in Billboard magazine. In 2002, Smith won a Dove Award for Instrumental Album of the Year for Freedom at the 33rd GMA Dove Awards. The album was certified Gold in 2006.
Track listing
All songs were written and composed by Michael W. Smith, except where noted.
1. Freedom -3:37
2. The Offering -1:26
3. Carol Anne -3:33
4. The Giving -3:18
5. Hibernia -4:47
6. Letter to Sarah -1:45
7. Freedom Battle -4:33
8. Cry of the Heart -2:23
9. Prayer for Taylor -3:01
10. The Call -5:02
11. Thy Word (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant) -3:30
12. Free Man -3:56
Gold certified in 2006.
Accolades
Dove Award -Instrumental Album of the Year (Freedom)
Previous release: This Is Your Time (1999)