The Big Picture (Michael W. Smith album)

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 "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 songs. That track instructs on pursuing goals, and other themes include the folly of escapism ("Lamu"), sexual abstinence before marriage ("Old Enough to Know"), and maintaining a positive self image ("You're Alright"). Track 9. "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

 * Producers – Michael W. Smith and John Potoker
 * Executive Producers – Michael Blanton, Dan Harrell and Brown Bannister
 * 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.
 * Recorded at The Power Station, Mediasound, Sigma Sound and Soundtrack (New York, NY); Bullet Recording and Emerald Sound (Nashville, TN); The Bennett House and The Castle (Franklin, TN); Blue Jay Recording (Carlisle, MA).
 * Mixed at Blue Jay Recording (Carlisle, MA).
 * Mastering – 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

Accolades
GMA Dove Awards