The first radio single from the album, "Back To The Start (God's Great Dance Floor)," which Darlene Zschech lauded via Twitter as her favorite song, sets the tone for the record. Building from a hard reality to a full-on pop dance celebration, it is a personal "prodigal song" for Martin that is gaining spins at numerous stations across the country. Recent station adds include: WONU (Chicago-Indianapolis), WJTL (Lancaster, PA), KBNJ (Corpus Christi, TX), KJTH (Ponca City, OK) and more.

Co-written by Martin and 2013 GRAMMY winner Jonas Myrin ("10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)"), the companion concept video of the single is also gaining views with dozens of adds internationally following its RELEVANT Magazine "Video of the Day" debut. With over 105,000 views on YouTube alone, the video is being featured on GMC's "Uplifting Pop," Bebo.com, Buzznet.com, GodTube, Buzzwire.com, Fanpop.com and many others. Featuring Martin's teenage daughter, Elle, in the lead role, every nuance of the video is intentional as it unfolds Martin's story.

A welcoming invitation to prodigals and faithful alike, God's Great Dance Floor, Step 01 (and Step 02, slated to release October 2013) is a reminder that God's grace is for everyone. As music fans are sharing 5-star reviews on iTunes, the critics have been agreeing that this is one album not to miss. With current or upcoming coverage in RELEVANT, Charisma, Worship Leader, CCM Magazine, Soul2Soul, Worship with Andy Chrisman, 100 Huntley Street, New Song Café and many others, here are just a few of the latest comments from the critics:

"Martin Smith is back with a renewed energy and passion, fueled by his love of the local church. The thing is, his local focus will end up, once again, impacting the global church with fresh, 'cutting edge' worship songs that will resonate with many." - NewReleaseTuesday.com

"Martin's first digital album feels like Delirious? never left, as we soak into the poignant song writing and heartfelt messages delivered to the listener through these upbeat and mellow tracks of reflection… God's Great Dance Floor, Step 01 is sure to relay the crucial message of joy and dancing as we delve into Christ and can't help but rejoice and let out a shout of praise, dancing before the Lord in reverence and awe. …Well done Martin for one of my favorite worship albums of 2013!" - IndieVsionMusic.com

"This may be the first ever solo album from Delirious? front man Martin Smith, but he nonetheless picks right up in the group's vertically-minded tradition thanks to a modern praise project peppered with personal musings and artful arrangements." - Watchgmctv.com

"I'm happy to report is that Smith isn't simply trying to recreate Delirious?'s sound, but he is owning it…The reappearance of Martin Smith back in the music scene is very welcome, and God's Great Dance Floor, Step 01 is a great first step into the solo realm. Certainly, fans of Delirious? will want to pick this one up, as well as worship music fans in general." - JesusFreakHideout.com

"Martin Smith has always had an eclectic taste in music and that is definitely shown in this album, but the music always leads us closer to Jesus… it definitely keeps the rich lyrical content that he has been known for…fun, energetic, and reminds us how much joy there is in the presence of God." - AllAboutWorship.com

"The production and instrumentation continue to show diversity from the sound of Smith's former band, but the heart of love for God and the deep need for Him are just as profound. ...It's fun, truthful and refreshing…it's great to have new songs from one of the most gifted worship leaders of our century." - Foursquare Leader

"… Martin Smith's new album is one of my favorite worship albums of 2013…we are met with 10 honest and personal tracks that stretch the boundaries of worship music… Well done Martin for an exemplary effort, and I hope you win heaps of awards and be recognized for the songwriter that you are in the future!" - ChristianMusicZine.com

With many of the songs written in collaboration with young worship leaders and novice musicians at his church, St. Peter's - a Holy Trinity Brompton church plant, God's Great Dance Floor, Step 01 is a joyful labor of love for this seasoned songwriter/worship leader. In addition to the radio and video single, the album features the modern rock anthem "Fire Never Sleeps," which opens the acclaimed Jesus Culture With Martin Smith: Live From New York album and is featured on Audio Adrenaline's Kings & Queens. It also features the contemplative ballad, "Catch Every Teardrop," which was inspired by Psalm 52 and the near fatal car crash that almost claimed Martin's life - a pivotal event that led to the formation of Delirious? back in 1997. This song is available now for anyone to download for free at http://smarturl.it/ggdf-free-track. Martin also co-wrote four songs with Chris Tomlin, including "Waiting Here For You" with its message of the fragility of our humanity and how waiting is perhaps the most difficult act of worship.

When Martin and his band Delirious? emerged in the U.S. back in 1997, having already impacted a generation of UK youth with its passionate call for revival, most agree that the modern worship movement officially began. The hope of that movement and the music that came out of it-"I Could Sing of Your Love Forever," "Deeper," "Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble?," "Shout To The North" and a string of other modern worship standards-has irrevocably changed the landscape of Christian music in the U.S. and around the world. Long before 2009's farewell concert, RIAA certified Gold-selling and GRAMMY nominated band Delirious? had become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Like their song "History Maker" that landed on 1998's King of Fools, the band became 'history makers' themselves.

Still making relevant music, Martin's God's Great Dance Floor, Step 01 springs from a man refreshed, revived and reconnected with Jesus and with his Church. Excited to play a lead role in the ongoing call to worship, he is a passionate model for young worship leaders of today.

Leave a Comment

 

 

[2025]
Jan. | Feb. | March | April | May | June | July | Aug. | Sept. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec.

[2024]
Jan. | Feb. | March | April | May | June | July | Aug. | Sept. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec.

[2001 - Present]
Visit our complete MUSIC NEWS ARCHIVE