Michael W. Smith Charts with Limited Release

Despite being available exclusively at Cracker Barrel locations and CrackerBarrel.com, Michael W. Smith still was able to debut at  No. 25 on Nielsen SoundScan's Top Current Albums Chart with his latest album Hymns. It also debuted at No. 2 on Nielsen SoundScan's Top Current Contemporary Christian Album Chart.

Michael W. Smith Releases First Hymn Project

Just in time for the Easter season, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store announced the release of Hymns, Michael W. Smith's newest album, which will be available on March 24 exclusively at all Cracker Barrel locations and online at crackerbarrel.com & select digital retailers. This is the first time in his legendary career that Smith has recorded an album of traditional hymns, including many that he sang in church when he was young

"I first heard many of these hymns when I attended First Baptist Church in Kenova, West Virginia with my Mom, Dad, and sister Kimberly," said Smith. "The message of the songs combined with the timeless music helped build the foundation of my Christian beliefs. I have always wanted to record an album of hymns, and am thankful that Cracker Barrel Old Country Store wanted to share it with their guests."

The album features timeless Christian classics, with songs ranging in creation date from 1708 ("When I Survey the Wondrous Cross") to 1989 ("Wonderful, Merciful Savior"). The remaining thirteen songs were written between 1840 and 1953.

Cracker Barrel Plants Steven Curtis Chapman's Deep Roots

Steven Curtis Chapman brings his inspirational sound back home to his rural Kentucky origins on Deep Roots, the latest exclusive album release from Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. The new 12-track CD will feature stand-out collaborations with bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs and some of Nashville’s finest players, as well as three generations of Chapman family members including: Chapman’s father, Herb Chapman Sr., brother, Herb Chapman Jr., son, Caleb Chapman, and daughter-in-law, Jillian Edwards Chapman. The uniquely personal album will be available for purchase in all Cracker Barrel locations, iTunes and Amazon.com beginning March 11, 2013. 

Having achieved 47 No. 1 hits on Christian radio, five GRAMMY® awards, and an unprecedented 57 Dove Awards, Chapman shows a new side with Deep Roots. The album includes a compilation of both fan-favorite hits and timeless hymns, all newly recorded.

Deep Roots Track Listing:

1. ’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
2. How Great Thou Art (featuring Jillian Edwards Chapman)
3. What a Friend We Have in Jesus (featuring Ricky Skaggs)
4. Blessed Assurance
5. Life is Like a Mountain Railroad (Life’s Railway to Heaven) (featuring Herb Chapman Sr. and Herb Chapman Jr.)
6. He Touched Me (featuring Herb Chapman Sr. and Herb Chapman Jr.)
7. Hiding Place
8. Rock of Ages
9. Be Still and Know (featuring Caleb Chapman)
10. His Eyes
11. My Redeemer is Faithful and True
12. Cinderella