The Big Picture is the third album by contemporary Christian music artist Michael W. Smith, released in 1986 on Reunion Records. The title comes from the song "Pursuit of the Dream," in which it is heard a few times, but also applies to the variety of themes for young people to learn about from the various songs on the album. While "Pursuit of the Dream" instructs the listener to pursue their goals, other themes on the album include the folly of escapism ("Lamu"), sexual abstinence before marriage ("Old Enough to Know"), and maintaining a positive self image ("You're Alright"). The song "Tearing Down The Wall" opens with a reverse snippet of Amy Grant's "Emmanuel". The Big Picture was ranked at number 21 on CCM Magazine's 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music. Smith won a GMA Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year at the 18th GMA Dove Awards and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance, Male at the 29th Grammy Awards.
Track listing All songs written by Michael W. Smith and Wayne Kirkpatrick, except where noted.
Personnel Michael W. Smith – lead vocals, backing vocals, keyboards, drum programming Shane Keister – keyboards, Fairlight programming, drum programming Steve Schaffer, with Music Resources – Synclavier programming Dann Huff – guitars Eddie Martinez – guitars Nick Moroch – guitars Chris Rodriguez – guitars, backing vocals Tony Levin – bass, stick bass Gary Lunn – bass, drum programming Steve Ferrone – drums David Huff – drums, drum programming Frank Doyle – drum programming Mark Kovac – drum programming John Potoker – drum programming Bashiri Johnson – percussion Michael Brecker – saxophones Jim Pugh – trombone Randy Brecker – trumpet Chris Harris – backing vocals Wayne Kirkpatrick – backing vocals
Backing vocals on "Voices" Lisa Bevill, Bridgett Evans, Chris Harris, Marty McCall, Philippe Saisse, Leah Taylor and Tammy Taylor
Production Executive Producers – Michael Blanton, Dan Harrell and Brown Bannister Producers – Michael W. Smith and John Potoker Engineer and Mixing – John Potoker Assistant Engineers – James "JB" Baird, Spencer Chrislu, Mike Clute, Ken Criblez, Nick Delre, Jeffrey Dovener, Rob Feaster, Jim Goldberger, Ed Goodreau, Tim Hattfield, Bill Heath, Keith Odell, Clarke Schleicher, Bob Vogt and Tony Volante. Mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound (New York, NY). Production Coordinator – Kimberly Smith Art Direction and Design – Kent Hunter and Thomas Ryan Photography – Beverly Ann Moore Grooming – Jody Morlock and Julie Miller Overstreet Child on album cover – Christopher Copeland
Chart performance Chart (1986) Peakposition
Accolades GMA Dove Awards YearWinnerCategory1987The Big PicturePop/Contemporary Album of the Year
References