Modern worship pioneer Martin Smith releases brand-new album, 'Joy'

Press Release

Martin Smith is back with his most defining solo material to date with the release of “Joy,” available today. Boldy speaking words of courage and authenticity into an age marked by increasing uncertainty, Smith explores what it could look like to embrace joy amid discomfort, disappointment, uncertainty and more. Listen to the nine-song album now. 

Throughout his illustrious 20-year-plus music career, with more than 300 million global streams to his name, Smith has delivered an expansive, congregational, earthy and honest sound. This record unfolds like a procession march toward hope, and will be a gift to the global church, encouraging every listener to face their reality with more joy than they’ve ever had before

"Making music should be fun. Especially when I have fewer records in front of me than behind me," Smith said. "You have to have a stronger conviction that it’s worth going through the process, and that you believe you have something to ‘say’. After COVID, a blanket of ‘sadness’ seemed to rest on everyone. My hope and prayer is that, when you listen to this music, you find the courage to break free from that. That you find the courage to dance again, to lift your head, to laugh at yourself, to find JOY again."

Smith has penned many of the church's most loved songs while shaping the modern worship scene. The former frontman of the top-charting band Delirious? and multi-GMA Dove Award-winner has toured worldwide in his vast career, performing in arenas and stadiums to millions of people, including Glastonbury Festival’s main stage. He has also toured with Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams and most recently opened for Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes on their "The Blessing" European tour. Smith has also appeared in Nashville for both the "Worship Together" conference and at Bridgestone Arena for "The Send” conference.

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More about Martin Smith

Smith is a modern worship pioneer who has made a global impact over the past 20-plus years. His music sales have reached the millions, achieving Platinum and Gold status, alongside a collective of over 300 million streams. His albums have consistently topped the charts, once holding the No. 1 position in the Christian music charts for eight consecutive months.

Nominated for numerous Dove Awards and winner of the International Act award, Smith has performed in front of millions globally, touring across arenas and stadiums worldwide and delivering iconic performances at renowned events such as Glastonbury's main Pyramid Stage.

Smith gained cultural significance by touring alongside Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams, securing a presence on general market platforms like BBC Radio 1 and MTV. His mainstream success is underscored by seven singles landing in the top 40 of the U.K. charts. Additionally, he achieved critical acclaim, being featured on Billboard, Q Magazine, Amazon Music and the LA Times.

Undoubtedly, his most significant contribution to music lies within the worship space, surpassing statistics as he has served as an inspiration to an entire generation of worship leaders, with his latest collaborations including Jobe on “Holy” and Brooke Ligertwood on “Lead me to the cross.”

A prolific songwriter, he has penned some of the church's most loved songs and shaped the modern worship scene. His songs resonate widely, with covers being performed daily across various social platforms. For more: Instagram + Facebook + TikTok + YouTube + Twitter.