i 2 (EYE) (1988)

i 2 (EYE) is the fourth studio album by Christian singer - songwriter Michael W. Smith, released on August 15, 1988 by Reunion Records.

i 2 (EYE) was a step-back from the big production of Smith's previous album The Big Picture, with more radio-friendly songs. The album's highlight is "Secret Ambition," in which Smith sings about Christ's last days on Earth before His

crucifixion. CCM Magazine ranked the song at number 46 in their 2006 book The

100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music, due to its popularity as an album and concert favorite. It's still a concert favorite to this day when Smith performs it.

Eight singles were released between 1988 and 1990 to promote the album and subsequent tour. Prior to that, Smith toured with Amy Grant on her Lead Me On Tour in 1988 and 1989. i 2 (EYE) gave Smith his first number one album on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart in 1989 and was Gold certified in 1991. Smith once again teamed up with studio musician Wayne Kirkpatrick for songwriting and, for the first time, producing.

The album was nominated for a Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance, Male. Music videos were made for "Secret Ambition" and "I Miss the Way," with the latter winning a Dove Award for Short Form Music Video of the Year at the 21st GMA Dove Awards.

NOTE: Stryper's Michael Sweet and Oz Fox provided backing vocals on the track "All You're Missin' is a Heartache."

Track listing

All songs written by Michael W. Smith and Wayne Kirkpatrick, except where noted.

1. Hand of Providence -4:33

2. Secret Ambition (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -6:26

3. On the Other Side -3:40

4. All You're Missin' is a Heartache -5:39

5. I Miss the Way -4:35

6. Live and Learn -6:17

7. I Hear Leesha -5:26

8. Help You Find Your Way (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Chris

Rodriguez) -5:28

9. Ashton (instrumental) (Michael W. Smith) -3:17

10. The Throne (Michael W. Smith, Gary Moore) -6:49

11. Pray for Me -3:52

RIAA certifications

Gold certified in 1991.

Accolades

Dove Award -Short Form Music Video of the Year ("I Miss the Way")

Radio singles

1988 "Pray for Me" -#2 Christian CHR, -#1 Christian AC for 2 weeks

1988 "Help You Find Your Way" -#13 Christian CHR

1988 "Hand of Providence" -#4 Christian CHR, -#2 Christian AC

1989 "Live and Learn" -#7 Christian CHR, -#7 Christian AC

1989 "I Miss the Way" -#4 Christian AC

1989 "The Throne" -#1 Christian CHR for 4 weeks, -#1 Christian AC for 6 weeks

1989 "On the Other Side" -#3 Christian CHR, -#2 Christian AC

1990 "I Hear Leesha" -#5 Christian CHR, -#7 Christian AC

Previous release: The Live Set (1987)

Next release: Christmas (1989)

Watch the music video of "Secret Ambition" here:

Watch the music video of "I Miss the Way" here: