U2 Frontman Bono to Appear on New Christmas Album by Michael W. Smith

2014-08-17

Story by Cat Badra

Michael W. Smith’s upcoming Christmas album will feature U2’s Bono

U2 frontman Bono is set to appear on a new Christmas album by contemporary Christian artist Michael W. Smith, chiming in on the spoken-word track “The Darkest Midnight.” In addition to the rock Bono provides, a selection of country musicians have also contributed to the album, including Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Vince Gill and Jennifer Nettles, as well as former Doobie Brother Michael McDonald.

The release also offers orchestrations by the London Symphony Orchestra and arrangements by David Hamilton. Smith and Robert Deaton co-produced the album and used the Carpenters’ 1978 Christmas release “Christmas Portrait” as the main inspiration for “Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas.” Themes include celebrating the beginning of Christmas, the importance of family and faith around the holidays and celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Look for “Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas” to arrive on Sept. 30.

‘Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas’ Track Listing:

“The Miracle of Christmas”
“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
“Happy Holidays/Holiday Season”
“Christmas Time Is Here” (with Vince Gill)
“White Christmas” (with Lady Antebellum)
“Somewhere in My Memory”
“The Spirit of Christmas” (“Deck the Halls,” “Good King Wenceslas,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Feels Like Christmas,” “O Come All Ye Faithful”)
“Silent Night” (with Little Big Town)
“What Child Is This” (with Martina McBride)
“Almost There” (with Amy Grant)
“All Is Well” (with Carrie Underwood)
“Christmas Day” (with Jennifer Nettles)
“The Darkest Midnight” (spoken word by Bono)
“Peace” (with Michael McDonald)

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Cat Badra

Meet the expert - Cat Badra is a music writer for Audio Ink Radio and a range of other music, sports and lifestyle publications. She's a graduate of Michigan State University with a master's degree in theater and speech. Contact her at cat@audioinkradio.com.