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Reformat 1 archive link. Wayback Medic 2.5 per WP:USURPURL and JUDI batch #18
 
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| released = {{Start date|2014|5|13}}
| released = {{Start date|2014|5|13}}
| recorded = January 2014
| recorded = January 2014
| venue =
| studio = {{hlist|Brown Owl Studios, Nashville, Tennessee|FabMusic, Franklin, Tennessee|Full Circle Music, Franklin, Tennessee|redredstudio, Nashville, Tennessee|The Manor, Franklin, Tennessee|The Soundhouse, Redding, California}}
| studio = {{hlist|Brown Owl Studios, Nashville, Tennessee|FabMusic, Franklin, Tennessee|Full Circle Music, Franklin, Tennessee|redredstudio, Nashville, Tennessee|The Manor, Franklin, Tennessee|The Soundhouse, Redding, California}}
| genre = [[Contemporary Christian music|CCM]], [[Contemporary worship music|worship]]
| genre = [[Contemporary Christian music|CCM]], [[Contemporary worship music|worship]]
| length = {{Duration|m=56|s=38}}
| length = 56:38
| label = [[Capitol Records|Capitol]]/[[Sparrow Records|Sparrow]]
| label = [[Capitol Records|Capitol]]/[[Sparrow Records|Sparrow]]
| producer = [[Jeremy Edwardson]], [[Seth Mosley]], [[Christopher Stevens (musician)|Christopher Stevens]], Joshua Silverberg
| producer = [[Jeremy Edwardson]], [[Seth Mosley]], [[Christopher Stevens (musician)|Christopher Stevens]], Joshua Silverberg
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== Critical reception ==
== Critical reception ==


{{Album ratings
{{Music ratings
| rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev1score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name=am>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/sovereign-mw0002619765 |title=''Sovereign'' - Michael W. Smith &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards |last=Collar |first=Matt |publisher=AllMusic |accessdate=June 6, 2014 }}</ref>
| rev1score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name=am>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/sovereign-mw0002619765 |title=''Sovereign'' - Michael W. Smith &#124; Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards |last=Collar |first=Matt |publisher=AllMusic |accessdate=June 6, 2014 }}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[CCM Magazine]]''
| rev2 = ''[[CCM Magazine]]''
| rev2score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=ccm>{{cite web |url=http://ht.salemweb.net/ccm/ccmmagazine/pdf/2014/may15/ft6gy7/CCMdigital_May15_2014.pdf |title=Michael W. Smith: ''Sovereign'' (Sparrow Records) |last=Aspinwall |first=Grace S. |date=May 15, 2014 |work=CCM Magazine |publisher=[[Salem Publishing]] |page=34 |accessdate=May 14, 2014 |issn=1524-7848 |format=PDF }}</ref>
| rev2score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=ccm>{{cite web |url=http://ht.salemweb.net/ccm/ccmmagazine/pdf/2014/may15/ft6gy7/CCMdigital_May15_2014.pdf |title=Michael W. Smith: ''Sovereign'' (Sparrow Records) |last=Aspinwall |first=Grace S. |date=May 15, 2014 |work=CCM Magazine |publisher=[[Salem Publishing]] |page=34 |accessdate=May 14, 2014 |issn=1524-7848 }}</ref>
| rev3 = CM Addict
| rev3 = CM Addict
| rev3score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name=cma>{{cite web |url=http://www.cmaddict.com/reviews_page.php?review_id=142 |title=Review of Sovereign by Michael W. Smith |last=Bellomy |first=Brianne |date=May 20, 2014 |publisher=CM Addict |accessdate=May 21, 2014 }}</ref>
| rev3score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name=cma>{{cite web |url=http://www.cmaddict.com/reviews_page.php?review_id=142 |title=Review of Sovereign by Michael W. Smith |last=Bellomy |first=Brianne |date=May 20, 2014 |publisher=CM Addict |accessdate=May 21, 2014 }}</ref>
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''Sovereign'' met with generally positive reception from music critics. At ''[[CCM Magazine]]'', Grace S. Aspinwall rated the album four stars out of five, remarking how "Over all, the record shows Smith returning to what he does best [...] ushering listeners into worship", and that "Time has granted a lovely depth to his vocal, which is surrounded by smart, fresh arrangements."<ref name=ccm /> Sarah Fine of New Release Tuesday rated the album four stars out of five, observing how "''Sovereign'' is a solid musical representation of Michael W. Smith's growth as an artist in the last decade."<ref name=nrt /> At Indie Vision Music, Jonathan Andre rated the album four stars out of five, calling this "a poignant, powerful and prolific" release.<ref name=ivm /> Matt Collar of [[AllMusic]] rated the album three-and-a-half stars out of five, indicating how "Smith has crafted an earnest and heartfelt recording inspired by his deep faith."<ref name=am /> At [[Cross Rhythms]], Tim Holden rated the album nine out of ten squares, commenting how "the Michael touch shines through and the quality and passion make this one of the best worship albums for quite a while - very easy to both listen to and worship along with."<ref name=cmr />
''Sovereign'' met with generally positive reception from music critics. At ''[[CCM Magazine]]'', Grace S. Aspinwall rated the album four stars out of five, remarking how "Over all, the record shows Smith returning to what he does best [...] ushering listeners into worship", and that "Time has granted a lovely depth to his vocal, which is surrounded by smart, fresh arrangements."<ref name=ccm /> Sarah Fine of New Release Tuesday rated the album four stars out of five, observing how "''Sovereign'' is a solid musical representation of Michael W. Smith's growth as an artist in the last decade."<ref name=nrt /> At Indie Vision Music, Jonathan Andre rated the album four stars out of five, calling this "a poignant, powerful and prolific" release.<ref name=ivm /> Matt Collar of [[AllMusic]] rated the album three-and-a-half stars out of five, indicating how "Smith has crafted an earnest and heartfelt recording inspired by his deep faith."<ref name=am /> At [[Cross Rhythms]], Tim Holden rated the album nine out of ten squares, commenting how "the Michael touch shines through and the quality and passion make this one of the best worship albums for quite a while - very easy to both listen to and worship along with."<ref name=cmr />


Jono Davies of Louder Than the Music rated the album four-and-a-half stars out of five, remarking how Smith "sounding as fresh as he ever has" on this release.<ref name=lttm /> At Christian Music Review, Laura Chambers rated the album a 4.9 out of five, writing how the release proves Smith "still has the same desire to write and sing for the glory of God and his audience's good."<ref name=cmr>{{cite web |url=http://christianmusicreview.org/michael-w-smith-sovereign/ |title=Michael W. Smith "Sovereign" |last=Chambers |first=Laura |date=May 8, 2014 |publisher=Christian Music Review |accessdate=May 12, 2014 }}</ref> Joshua Andre of Christian Music Zine rated the album 4.75 out of five, declaring that the release "is his most cohesive and strongest studio effort."<ref name=cmz>{{cite web |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514155222/http://christianmusiczine.com/michael-w-smith-sovereign-review/ |url=http://christianmusiczine.com/michael-w-smith-sovereign-review/ |title=Michael W. Smith – Sovereign (Review) |last=Andre |first=Joshua |archivedate=May 14, 2014 |date=May 12, 2014 |publisher=Christian Music Zine |accessdate=May 12, 2014 }}</ref> At CM Addict, Brianne Bellomy rated the album a perfect five stars, observing how "For old fans, 'Smitty' is truly working at his best", and "For new fans, welcome to music for your soul."<ref name=cma />
Jono Davies of Louder Than the Music rated the album four-and-a-half stars out of five, remarking how Smith "sounding as fresh as he ever has" on this release.<ref name=lttm /> At Christian Music Review, Laura Chambers rated the album a 4.9 out of five, writing how the release proves Smith "still has the same desire to write and sing for the glory of God and his audience's good."<ref name=cmr>{{cite web |url=http://christianmusicreview.org/michael-w-smith-sovereign/ |title=Michael W. Smith "Sovereign" |last=Chambers |first=Laura |date=May 8, 2014 |publisher=Christian Music Review |accessdate=May 12, 2014 }}</ref> Joshua Andre of Christian Music Zine rated the album 4.75 out of five, declaring that the release "is his most cohesive and strongest studio effort."<ref name=cmz>{{cite web |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514155222/http://christianmusiczine.com/michael-w-smith-sovereign-review/ |url=http://christianmusiczine.com/michael-w-smith-sovereign-review/ |title=Michael W. Smith – Sovereign (Review) |last=Andre |first=Joshua |archivedate=May 14, 2014 |date=May 12, 2014 |publisher=Christian Music Zine |url-status=usurped |accessdate=May 12, 2014 }}</ref> At CM Addict, Brianne Bellomy rated the album a perfect five stars, observing how "For old fans, 'Smitty' is truly working at his best", and "For new fans, welcome to music for your soul."<ref name=cma />


At ''The Phantom Tollbooth'', Michael Dalton rated the album four tocks out of five, writing how the release is Smith's "finest effort in this category" because "These songs are straightforward with restrained artistry, giving them broad appeal."<ref name=tpt /> Jim Wilkerson of The Christian Music Review Blog rated the album four stars out of five, saying that "There really isn't a song that I don't like on this album, but I have to say I still wanted to hear more from Michael."<ref name=cmrb>{{cite web |url=http://www.thechristianmusicreviewblog.com/2014/05/michael-w-smith-sovereign.html |title=Michael W. Smith: Sovereign |last=Wilkerson |first=Jim |date=May 13, 2014 |publisher=The Christian Music Review Blog |accessdate=May 21, 2014 }} {{Rating|4|5}}</ref> At Jesus Freak Hideout, Mark Rice rated the album three stars out of five, cautioning that "The overall result is an album that caters far too much to the mainstream CCM contemporary worship crowd with too little creative appeal outside those confines."<ref name=jfh />
At ''The Phantom Tollbooth'', Michael Dalton rated the album four tocks out of five, writing how the release is Smith's "finest effort in this category" because "These songs are straightforward with restrained artistry, giving them broad appeal."<ref name=tpt /> Jim Wilkerson of The Christian Music Review Blog rated the album four stars out of five, saying that "There really isn't a song that I don't like on this album, but I have to say I still wanted to hear more from Michael."<ref name=cmrb>{{cite web |url=http://www.thechristianmusicreviewblog.com/2014/05/michael-w-smith-sovereign.html |title=Michael W. Smith: Sovereign |last=Wilkerson |first=Jim |date=May 13, 2014 |publisher=The Christian Music Review Blog |accessdate=May 21, 2014 }} {{Rating|4|5}}</ref> At Jesus Freak Hideout, Mark Rice rated the album three stars out of five, cautioning that "The overall result is an album that caters far too much to the mainstream CCM contemporary worship crowd with too little creative appeal outside those confines."<ref name=jfh />


==Awards and accolades==
==Awards and accolades==
This album was No. 11 on the [[Worship Leader (magazine)|''Worship Leader'']]'s Top 20 Albums of 2014 list.<ref name="WL">{{cite web |author=''Worship Leader'' |author-link=Worship Leader (magazine) |title=Top 20 Albums of 2014 |url=http://media.worshipleader.com/lib/2014nov/html5/index.html?page=66 |magazine=[[Worship Leader (magazine)|Worship Leader]] |accessdate=August 11, 2015 |issue=November/December 2014 |pp=66–7}}</ref>
This album was No. 11 on the ''Worship Leader'''s Top 20 Albums of 2014 list.<ref name="WL">{{cite web |author=Worship Leader |author-link=Worship Leader (magazine) |title=Top 20 Albums of 2014 |url=http://media.worshipleader.com/lib/2014nov/html5/index.html?page=66 |magazine=Worship Leader |accessdate=August 11, 2015 |issue=November/December 2014 |pages=66–7}}</ref>


The song, "All Arise", was No. 15 on the [[Worship Leader (magazine)|''Worship Leader'']]'s Top 20 Songs of 2014 list.<ref name="WLLS">{{cite web |author=''Worship Leader'' |author-link=Worship Leader (magazine) |title=Top 20 Songs of 2014 |url=http://media.worshipleader.com/lib/2014nov/html5/index.html?page=64 |journal=[[Worship Leader (magazine)|Worship Leader]] |accessdate=November 5, 2015 |issue=November/December 2014 |p=64–5}}</ref>
The song, "All Arise", was No. 15 on the ''Worship Leader'''s Top 20 Songs of 2014 list.<ref name="WLLS">{{cite journal |author=Worship Leader |author-link=Worship Leader (magazine) |title=Top 20 Songs of 2014 |url=http://media.worshipleader.com/lib/2014nov/html5/index.html?page=64 |journal=Worship Leader |accessdate=November 5, 2015 |issue=November/December 2014 |page=64–5}}</ref>


== Commercial performance ==
== Commercial performance ==


For the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' charting week of May 31, 2014, ''Sovereign'' debuted at No. 10 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], and it is the highest-charting album in his career.<ref name=debutcharts>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6092255/billboard-200-black-keys-michael-jackson-albums-rascal-flatts|title=The Black Keys Earn First No. 1 Album, Michael Jackson Debuts at No. 2|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=May 21, 2014|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|work=Billboard|accessdate=May 23, 2014}}</ref> In addition, the album topped the [[Christian Albums|Christian Albums chart]], and it reached No. 25 on [[Digital Albums|Digital Albums chart]]. The album sold slightly less than 16,000 copies in its first week.<ref name=debutcharts/>
For the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' charting week of May 31, 2014, ''Sovereign'' debuted at No. 10 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], and it is the highest-charting album in his career.<ref name=debutcharts>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6092255/billboard-200-black-keys-michael-jackson-albums-rascal-flatts|title=The Black Keys Earn First No. 1 Album, Michael Jackson Debuts at No. 2|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=May 21, 2014|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=May 23, 2014}}</ref> In addition, the album topped the [[Christian Albums|Christian Albums chart]], and it reached No. 25 on [[Digital Albums|Digital Albums chart]]. The album sold slightly less than 16,000 copies in its first week.<ref name=debutcharts/>


== Track listing ==
== Track listing ==


{{track listing
{{track listing
| headline = Standard Edition
| headline = Standard edition
| collapsed = no
| total_length = 56:35<!-- --Allmusic-- -->
| total_length = 56:35<!-- --Allmusic-- -->
| title1 = [[You Won't Let Go]]
| title1 = [[You Won't Let Go]]
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| length12 = 6:59
| length12 = 6:59
}}
}}
{{track listing
{{tracklist
| headline = Target Exclusive edition<ref>{{cite web|title=Michael W. Smith - Sovereign (Deluxe)|url=http://www.target.com/p/michael-w-smith-sovereign-deluxe-only-at-target/-/A-15435752|publisher=Target|accessdate=December 3, 2014}}</ref>
| headline = Target Exclusive edition<ref>{{cite web|title=Michael W. Smith - Sovereign (Deluxe)|url=http://www.target.com/p/michael-w-smith-sovereign-deluxe-only-at-target/-/A-15435752|publisher=Target|accessdate=December 3, 2014}}</ref>
| collapsed = yes
| title13 = You Are the Fire
| title13 = You Are the Fire
| note13 = Live
| note13 = live
| length13 = 4:28
| length13 = 4:28
| writer13 = Farren, Lee
| writer13 = Farren, Lee
| title14 = All Arise
| title14 = All Arise
| note14 = Live
| note14 = live
| length14 = 4:45
| length14 = 4:45
| writer14 = Smith, Ingram
| writer14 = Smith, Ingram
| title15 = I Lay Me Down
| title15 = I Lay Me Down
| note15 = Live
| note15 = live
| length15 = 4:16
| length15 = 4:16
| writer15 = Smith, Farren, Mosley
| writer15 = Smith, Farren, Mosley
}}
}}
{{track listing
{{tracklist
| headline = iTunes Deluxe edition<ref name="iTunesDeluxe">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sovereign-deluxe-edition/id868345314|title=''Sovereign (Deluxe Edition)'' by Michael W. Smith|publisher=[[iTunes]]|accessdate=September 20, 2014}}</ref>
| headline = iTunes Deluxe edition<ref name="iTunesDeluxe">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sovereign-deluxe-edition/id868345314|title=''Sovereign (Deluxe Edition)'' by Michael W. Smith|date=May 13, 2014 |publisher=[[iTunes]]|accessdate=September 20, 2014}}</ref>
| collapsed = yes
| title13 = You Are the Fire
| title13 = You Are the Fire
| note13 = Live
| note13 = Live
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| writer13 = Farren, Lee
| writer13 = Farren, Lee
| title14 = All Arise
| title14 = All Arise
| note14 = Live
| note14 = live
| length14 = 4:45
| length14 = 4:45
| writer14 = Smith, Ingram
| writer14 = Smith, Ingram
| title15 = I Lay Me Down
| title15 = I Lay Me Down
| note15 = Live
| note15 = live
| length15 = 4:16
| length15 = 4:16
| writer15 = Smith, Farren, Mosley
| writer15 = Smith, Farren, Mosley
| title16 = You Won't Let Go
| title16 = You Won't Let Go
| note16 = Live Video
| note16 = live video
| length16 = 4:02
| length16 = 4:02
| writer16 = Smith, Fields, Mosley
| writer16 = Smith, Fields, Mosley
| title17 = Sovereign Over Us
| title17 = Sovereign Over Us
| note17 = Live Video
| note17 = live video
| length17 = 6:09
| length17 = 6:09
| writer17 = Brown, Keyes, Mooring
| writer17 = Brown, Keyes, Mooring
| title18 = The One That Really Matters
| title18 = The One That Really Matters
| note18 = featuring [[Kari Jobe]] (Live Video)
| note18 = featuring [[Kari Jobe]] (live video)
| length18 = 9:14
| length18 = 9:14
| writer18 = Riddle, Dustin Smith
| writer18 = Riddle, Dustin Smith
}}
}}
{{track listing
{{tracklist
| headline = Deluxe Edition DVD<ref>{{cite web|title=Sovereign (Deluxe Edition)|url=https://www.amazon.com/Sovereign-Deluxe-Edition-Michael-Smith/dp/B00IJBAYVW|publisher=Amazon|accessdate=December 3, 2014}}</ref>
| headline = Deluxe Edition DVD<ref>{{cite web|title=Sovereign (Deluxe Edition)|url=https://www.amazon.com/Sovereign-Deluxe-Edition-Michael-Smith/dp/B00IJBAYVW|publisher=Amazon|accessdate=December 3, 2014}}</ref>
| collapsed = yes
| title1 = You Won't Let Go
| title1 = You Won't Let Go
| note1 = live video
| note1 = live video
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| title9 = The One That Really Matters
| title9 = The One That Really Matters
| note9 = live video
| note9 = live video
| title10 = You Are the Fire (Reprise)
| title10 = You Are the Fire (reprise)
| note10 = live video
| note10 = live video
}}
}}


== Personnel ==
== Personnel ==
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* Michael W. Smith – lead vocals, backing vocals (1-4), acoustic piano (5-9, 11, 12)
* Michael W. Smith – lead vocals, backing vocals (1-4), acoustic piano (5-9, 11, 12)
* [[Seth Mosley]] – keyboards (1), programming (1, 3, 9, 11), acoustic piano (3), synthesizers (3), guitars (3, 5, 9, 11), bass (3), backing vocals (3, 5, 9, 11), acoustic guitar (7)
* [[Seth Mosley]] – keyboards (1), programming (1, 3, 9, 11), acoustic piano (3), synthesizers (3), guitars (3, 5, 9, 11), bass (3), backing vocals (3, 5, 9, 11), acoustic guitar (7)
Line 237: Line 233:
* [[Kari Jobe]] – lead vocals (12)
* [[Kari Jobe]] – lead vocals (12)
* [[Bellarive]] – backing vocals (12)
* [[Bellarive]] – backing vocals (12)
{{div col end}}


'''Group vocals'''
'''Group vocals'''
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* Kyle Lee (3)
* Kyle Lee (3)
* Seth Mosley (3, 5, 7, 9, 11)
* Seth Mosley (3, 5, 7, 9, 11)
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* Kendall Young (5, 7, 9, 11)
* Kendall Young (5, 7, 9, 11)
* Laura Cooksey (7, 9, 11)
* Laura Cooksey (7, 9, 11)
{{div col end}}


== Production ==
'''Production'''
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* Executive Producers – Michael W. Smith, Greg Ham and Christopher York.
* Michael W. Smith – executive producer
* Mixed by Christopher Stevens at fabmusic (Franklin, Tennessee).
* Greg Ham – executive producer
⚫
* Mastered by Joe LaPorta at Sterling Sound (New York City, New York).
* Christopher York – executive producer
* Art and Design – Sarah Sung
* Christopher Stevens – producer, [[audio engineer|engineer]] at fabmusic, Franklin, Tennessee (1, 2, 4), mixing at fabmusic Franklin, Tennessee
* Photography – Cameron Powell
* Seth Mosley – producer (3, 5, 7, 9, 11), engineer (3, 5)
* Grooming – Christin Cook
* Jeremy Edwardson – producer, engineer at The Soundhouse, Redding, California (6, 8, 10)
* Styling – Tasia Treimer
⚫
* Joshua Silverberg – producer (12), engineer (12) at redredstudio, Nashville, Tennessee and The Manor, Franklin, Tennessee

* Jericho Scoggins – assistant engineer and mix assistant (1, 2, 4)
'''Tracks 1, 2 & 4'''
⚫
* Michael "X" O'Connor – engineer at Full Circle Music, Franklin, Tennessee (3, 5), at Full Circle Music (7, 9), at Full Circle Music and Brown Owl Studios, Nashville, Tennessee (11)
* Produced and Recorded by Christopher Stevens at fabmusic (Franklin, Tennessee). Assistant engineer and Mix assistant – Jericho Scoggins. Additional engineering on Tracks 1 & 2 – Buckley Miller. Additional editing on Track 2 – Jeremy Michael.
* Mark Zellmer – engineer at Full Circle Music and Brown Owl Studios, Nashville, Tennessee (11)

* Buckley Miller – additional engineer (1, 2)
'''Tracks 3, 5, 7, 9 & 11'''
* Jeremy Michael – additional engineer (2)
* Producer – Seth Mosley
* Andrew Jackson – assistant engineer, production assistant (6, 8, 10)
⚫
* Tracks 3 and 5 engineered by Michael "X" O'Connor and Seth Mosley at Full Circle Music (Franklin, Tennessee). Tracks 7 and 9 engineered by Michael "X" O'Connor at Full Circle Music. Track 11 engineered by Michael "X" O'Connor and Mark Zellmer at Full Circle Music and Brown Owl Studios (Nashville, Tennessee).
* Jared Fox – engineer (12)

⚫
* Joe LaPorta – mastering at Sterling Sound, New York City
'''Tracks 6, 8 & 10'''
* Sarah Sung – art and design
* Produced and Engineered by Jeremy Edwardson; Assistant engineer and Production assistant – Andrew Jackson. Recorded at The Soundhouse (Redding, California).
* Cameron Powell – photography

* Christin Cook – grooming
'''Track 12'''
* Tasia Treimer – styling
* Producer – Joshua Silverberg
{{div col end}}
⚫
* Engineered by Joshua Silverberg and Jared Fox. Recorded at redredstudio (Nashville, Tennessee) and The Manor (Franklin, Tennessee).


== Chart performance ==
== Chart performance ==
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! colspan="7"| US peak chart positions
! colspan="7"| US peak chart positions
|- style="font-size:smaller;"
|- style="font-size:smaller;"
! width="45"| [[Hot Christian Songs|Christian]]<br><ref>{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=Michael W. Smith|chart=Christian Songs}}|title=Michael W. Smith Album and Song Chart History - Christian Songs|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
! width="45"| [[Hot Christian Songs|Christian]]<br><ref>{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=Michael W. Smith|chart=Christian Songs}}|title=Michael W. Smith Album and Song Chart History - Christian Songs|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
! width="45"| Christian<br>Airplay<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/310914/michael-w-smith/chart?f=1762|title=Michael W. Smith - Chart History|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
! width="45"| Christian<br>Airplay<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/310914/michael-w-smith/chart?f=1762|title=Michael W. Smith - Chart History|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
! width="45"| Christian<br>Digital<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/310914/michael-w-smith/chart?f=1095|title=Michael W. Smith - Chart History|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
! width="45"| Christian<br>Digital<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/310914/michael-w-smith/chart?f=1095|title=Michael W. Smith - Chart History|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
! width="45"| Christian<br>AC<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/search/charts?f%5B0%5D=ts_chart_artistname%3AMichael%20W.%20Smith&f%5B1%5D=itm_field_chart_id%3A354&f%5B2%5D=ss_bb_type%3Achart_item&type=2&artist=Michael%20W.%20Smith&detail=1|title=Michael W. Smith - Chart History|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
! width="45"| Christian<br>AC<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/search/charts?f%5B0%5D=ts_chart_artistname%3AMichael%20W.%20Smith&f%5B1%5D=itm_field_chart_id%3A354&f%5B2%5D=ss_bb_type%3Achart_item&type=2&artist=Michael%20W.%20Smith&detail=1|title=Michael W. Smith - Chart History|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
! width="45"| Christian<br>Hot AC/CHR<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/search/charts?f%5B0%5D=ts_chart_artistname%3AMichael%20W.%20Smith&f%5B1%5D=itm_field_chart_id%3A908&f%5B2%5D=ss_bb_type%3Achart_item&type=2&artist=Michael%20W.%20Smith&detail=1|title=Michael W. Smith - Chart History|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
! width="45"| Christian<br>Hot AC/CHR<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/search/charts?f%5B0%5D=ts_chart_artistname%3AMichael%20W.%20Smith&f%5B1%5D=itm_field_chart_id%3A908&f%5B2%5D=ss_bb_type%3Achart_item&type=2&artist=Michael%20W.%20Smith&detail=1|title=Michael W. Smith - Chart History|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
! width="45"| Christian<br>Soft AC<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/search/charts?f%5B0%5D=ts_chart_artistname%3AMichael%20W.%20Smith&f%5B1%5D=itm_field_chart_id%3A912&f%5B2%5D=ss_bb_type%3Achart_item&type=2&artist=Michael%20W.%20Smith&detail=1|title=Michael W. Smith - Chart History|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
! width="45"| Christian<br>Soft AC<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/search/charts?f%5B0%5D=ts_chart_artistname%3AMichael%20W.%20Smith&f%5B1%5D=itm_field_chart_id%3A912&f%5B2%5D=ss_bb_type%3Achart_item&type=2&artist=Michael%20W.%20Smith&detail=1|title=Michael W. Smith - Chart History|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
! width="45"| Christian<br>AC Indicator<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/search/charts?f%5B0%5D=ts_chart_artistname%3AMichael%20W.%20Smith&f%5B1%5D=itm_field_chart_id%3A906&f%5B2%5D=ss_bb_type%3Achart_item&type=2&artist=Michael%20W.%20Smith&detail=1|title=Michael W. Smith - Chart History|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
! width="45"| Christian<br>AC Indicator<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/search/charts?f%5B0%5D=ts_chart_artistname%3AMichael%20W.%20Smith&f%5B1%5D=itm_field_chart_id%3A906&f%5B2%5D=ss_bb_type%3Achart_item&type=2&artist=Michael%20W.%20Smith&detail=1|title=Michael W. Smith - Chart History|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2014
| rowspan="2"| 2014

Latest revision as of 19:24, 22 September 2024

For other albums, see Sovereign (disambiguation).

Sovereign
Studio album by
Michael W. Smith
ReleasedMay 13, 2014 (2014-05-13)
RecordedJanuary 2014
Studio
  • Brown Owl Studios, Nashville, Tennessee
  • FabMusic, Franklin, Tennessee
  • Full Circle Music, Franklin, Tennessee
  • redredstudio, Nashville, Tennessee
  • The Manor, Franklin, Tennessee
  • The Soundhouse, Redding, California
GenreCCM, worship
Length56:38
LabelCapitol/Sparrow
ProducerJeremy Edwardson, Seth Mosley, Christopher Stevens, Joshua Silverberg
Michael W. Smith chronology
Hymns
(2014) 		Sovereign
(2014) 		The Spirit of Christmas
(2014)
Singles from Sovereign
  1. "You Won't Let Go"
    Released: February 4, 2014[1]
  2. "Sovereign Over Us"
    Released: 2014
  3. "Sky Spills Over"
    Released: February 2, 2015[2]

Sovereign is an album by Christian recording artist Michael W. Smith released on May 13, 2014[3] through Capitol Records.[4] The album debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and at No. 1 on the Christian Albums chart.

The album's first single, "You Won't Let Go", was released digitally on February 4, 2014[5][1] and it opened at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart.[6] Christian singer Kari Jobe is featured on one of the songs on the album.[7]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[8]
CCM Magazine[9]
CM Addict[10]
Cross Rhythms[11]
Indie Vision Music[12]
Jesus Freak Hideout[13]
Louder Than the Music[14]
New Release Tuesday[15]
The Phantom Tollbooth[16]

Sovereign met with generally positive reception from music critics. At CCM Magazine, Grace S. Aspinwall rated the album four stars out of five, remarking how "Over all, the record shows Smith returning to what he does best [...] ushering listeners into worship", and that "Time has granted a lovely depth to his vocal, which is surrounded by smart, fresh arrangements."[9] Sarah Fine of New Release Tuesday rated the album four stars out of five, observing how "Sovereign is a solid musical representation of Michael W. Smith's growth as an artist in the last decade."[15] At Indie Vision Music, Jonathan Andre rated the album four stars out of five, calling this "a poignant, powerful and prolific" release.[12] Matt Collar of AllMusic rated the album three-and-a-half stars out of five, indicating how "Smith has crafted an earnest and heartfelt recording inspired by his deep faith."[8] At Cross Rhythms, Tim Holden rated the album nine out of ten squares, commenting how "the Michael touch shines through and the quality and passion make this one of the best worship albums for quite a while - very easy to both listen to and worship along with."[17]

Jono Davies of Louder Than the Music rated the album four-and-a-half stars out of five, remarking how Smith "sounding as fresh as he ever has" on this release.[14] At Christian Music Review, Laura Chambers rated the album a 4.9 out of five, writing how the release proves Smith "still has the same desire to write and sing for the glory of God and his audience's good."[17] Joshua Andre of Christian Music Zine rated the album 4.75 out of five, declaring that the release "is his most cohesive and strongest studio effort."[18] At CM Addict, Brianne Bellomy rated the album a perfect five stars, observing how "For old fans, 'Smitty' is truly working at his best", and "For new fans, welcome to music for your soul."[10]

At The Phantom Tollbooth, Michael Dalton rated the album four tocks out of five, writing how the release is Smith's "finest effort in this category" because "These songs are straightforward with restrained artistry, giving them broad appeal."[16] Jim Wilkerson of The Christian Music Review Blog rated the album four stars out of five, saying that "There really isn't a song that I don't like on this album, but I have to say I still wanted to hear more from Michael."[19] At Jesus Freak Hideout, Mark Rice rated the album three stars out of five, cautioning that "The overall result is an album that caters far too much to the mainstream CCM contemporary worship crowd with too little creative appeal outside those confines."[13]

Awards and accolades

[edit]

This album was No. 11 on the Worship Leader's Top 20 Albums of 2014 list.[20]

The song, "All Arise", was No. 15 on the Worship Leader's Top 20 Songs of 2014 list.[21]

Commercial performance

[edit]

For the Billboard charting week of May 31, 2014, Sovereign debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200, and it is the highest-charting album in his career.[22] In addition, the album topped the Christian Albums chart, and it reached No. 25 on Digital Albums chart. The album sold slightly less than 16,000 copies in its first week.[22]

Track listing

[edit]
Standard edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."You Won't Let Go"Michael W. Smith, Mia Fieldes, Seth Mosley3:59
2."Heaven Come Down"Smith, Christopher Stevens3:50
3."Miracle"Smith, Kyle Lee, Mosley4:19
4."Sky Spills Over"Smith, Ryan Smith, Stevens4:04
5."All Arise"Smith, Jason Ingram4:40
6."You Are the Fire"Michael Farren, Kyle Lee4:29
7."Christ Be All Around Me"Leslie Jordan, David Leonard, Jack Mooring, Leeland Dayton Mooring5:24
8."Sovereign Over Us"Bryan Brown, Aaron Keyes, J. Mooring5:54
9."Hide Myself"Smith, Fieldes, Mosley4:22
10."The Same Power"Ben Cantelon, Nick Herbert4:25
11."I Lay Me Down"Smith, Farren, Mosley4:08
12."The One That Really Matters" (featuring Kari Jobe)Jennie Lee Riddle, Dustin Smith6:59
Total length:56:35
Target Exclusive edition[23]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
13."You Are the Fire" (live)Farren, Lee4:28
14."All Arise" (live)Smith, Ingram4:45
15."I Lay Me Down" (live)Smith, Farren, Mosley4:16
iTunes Deluxe edition[24]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
13."You Are the Fire" (Live)Farren, Lee4:28
14."All Arise" (live)Smith, Ingram4:45
15."I Lay Me Down" (live)Smith, Farren, Mosley4:16
16."You Won't Let Go" (live video)Smith, Fields, Mosley4:02
17."Sovereign Over Us" (live video)Brown, Keyes, Mooring6:09
18."The One That Really Matters" (featuring Kari Jobe (live video))Riddle, Dustin Smith9:14
Deluxe Edition DVD[25]
No.TitleLength
1."You Won't Let Go" (live video) 
2."You Are the Fire" (live video) 
3."Hide Myself" (live video) 
4."The Same Power" (live video) 
5."All Arise" (live video) 
6."Sovereign Over Us" (live video) 
7."I Lay Me Down" (live video) 
8."Christ Be All Around Me" (live video) 
9."The One That Really Matters" (live video) 
10."You Are the Fire (reprise)" (live video) 

Personnel

[edit]
  • Michael W. Smith – lead vocals, backing vocals (1-4), acoustic piano (5-9, 11, 12)
  • Seth Mosley – keyboards (1), programming (1, 3, 9, 11), acoustic piano (3), synthesizers (3), guitars (3, 5, 9, 11), bass (3), backing vocals (3, 5, 9, 11), acoustic guitar (7)
  • Christopher Stevens – keyboards (1, 2, 4), programming (1, 2, 4), backing vocals (1, 2, 4), guitars (4), drums (4)
  • Jeremy Edwardson – keyboards (6, 8), backing vocals (6, 8)
  • Andrew Jackson – keyboards (6, 8)
  • Jonathan Berlin – additional keyboards (6), acoustic guitar (6), guitars (6, 8), bass (6, 8)
  • Jim Daneker – keyboards (7), synthesizers (7), programming (7)
  • Trey Gunn – string arrangements (8, 10), keyboards (10)
  • Tim Lauer – programming (9, 11), percussion (11), string arrangements (11)
  • Chris Lacorte – guitars (1, 2)
  • Nick Schwartz – guitars (1)
  • Bryan Fowler – guitars (4), percussion (4)
  • Wes King – acoustic guitars (4)
  • Ben Clark – banjo (4)
  • Stuart Garrard – guitars (5)
  • Tore Kulleseid – guitars (6, 8, 10), acoustic guitar (10)
  • Glenn Pearce – guitars (7)
  • Stephen Leiweke – guitars (12)
  • Joshua Silverberg – guitars (12)
  • Jacob Lowery – bass (1, 4, 7, 12)
  • Tony Lucido – bass (2, 5, 9, 11)
  • Brandon Aaronson – bass (10)
  • Will Sayles – drums (1, 2)
  • Steve Kadar – drums (3)
  • Nick Buda – drums (5, 9, 11)
  • Dylan Barrett – drums (6, 10)
  • Raymond Boyd – drums (7), percussion (7)
  • Josh Fisher – drums (8)
  • Jacob Schrodt – drums (12)
  • David Henry – strings (5)
  • Lewis Patzner – cello (8, 10), double bass (8, 10)
  • Anton Patzner – viola (8, 10), violin (8, 10)
  • Sarighani Reist – cello (11)
  • Kristin Wilkinson – viola (11)
  • David Angell – violin (11)
  • David Davidson – violin (11)
  • Stephen Lamb – music copyist (11)
  • Cara Fox – cello (12)
  • Philip King – backing vocals (1, 2)
  • Sam Hancock – backing vocals (1, 2, 4)
  • Skye Parrish – backing vocals (1, 2)
  • Mercy Stevens – backing vocals (1, 2, 4)
  • Bryan Fowler – backing vocals (4)
  • Lauren Daigle – backing vocals (5)
  • Stephen Duncan – backing vocals (5)
  • Gabe Kossol – backing vocals (6)
  • Andrew Ehernzeller – backing vocals (10)
  • Laura Cooksey – backing vocals (11)
  • Kari Jobe – lead vocals (12)
  • Bellarive – backing vocals (12)

Group vocals

  • Kyle Lee (3)
  • Seth Mosley (3, 5, 7, 9, 11)
  • Jim Daneker (5, 7, 9, 11),
  • Stephen Duncan (5)
  • Mia Fieldes (5, 7, 9, 11)
  • Rachel Hale (5, 7, 9, 11)
  • Jamie Jamgochian (5, 7, 9, 11)
  • Jon Lewis (5)
  • David Myers (5, 7, 9, 11)
  • Rhyan Shirley (5)
  • James Tealy (5, 7, 9, 11)
  • Kendall Young (5, 7, 9, 11)
  • Laura Cooksey (7, 9, 11)

Production

  • Michael W. Smith – executive producer
  • Greg Ham – executive producer
  • Christopher York – executive producer
  • Christopher Stevens – producer, engineer at fabmusic, Franklin, Tennessee (1, 2, 4), mixing at fabmusic Franklin, Tennessee
  • Seth Mosley – producer (3, 5, 7, 9, 11), engineer (3, 5)
  • Jeremy Edwardson – producer, engineer at The Soundhouse, Redding, California (6, 8, 10)
  • Joshua Silverberg – producer (12), engineer (12) at redredstudio, Nashville, Tennessee and The Manor, Franklin, Tennessee
  • Jericho Scoggins – assistant engineer and mix assistant (1, 2, 4)
  • Michael "X" O'Connor – engineer at Full Circle Music, Franklin, Tennessee (3, 5), at Full Circle Music (7, 9), at Full Circle Music and Brown Owl Studios, Nashville, Tennessee (11)
  • Mark Zellmer – engineer at Full Circle Music and Brown Owl Studios, Nashville, Tennessee (11)
  • Buckley Miller – additional engineer (1, 2)
  • Jeremy Michael – additional engineer (2)
  • Andrew Jackson – assistant engineer, production assistant (6, 8, 10)
  • Jared Fox – engineer (12)
  • Joe LaPorta – mastering at Sterling Sound, New York City
  • Sarah Sung – art and design
  • Cameron Powell – photography
  • Christin Cook – grooming
  • Tasia Treimer – styling

Chart performance

[edit]
Chart performance for Sovereign
Chart (2014) Peak
position
US Billboard 200[26] 10
US Christian Albums (Billboard)[27] 1
US Digital Albums (Billboard)[28] 25
Singles
Year Single US peak chart positions
Christian
[29] 		Christian
Airplay[30] 		Christian
Digital[31] 		Christian
AC[32] 		Christian
Hot AC/CHR[33] 		Christian
Soft AC[34] 		Christian
AC Indicator[35]
2014 "You Won't Let Go" 13 16 6 21 19 4 12
"Sovereign Over Us" – 38 – – – 7 22
2015 "Sky Spills Over" 18 20 22 – – 8 19

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "YOU WON'T LET GO - arrives at iTunes... – Michael W. Smith". Facebook. February 3, 2014. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  2. ^ "The new single from Michael W. Smith's... – Michael W. Smith". Facebook. February 2, 2015. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  3. ^ "Upcoming Christian Music New Releases". NewReleaseTuesday.com. Retrieved February 6, 2014.
  4. ^ Papadatos, Markos (March 14, 2014). "Interview with Michael W. Smith: 'You Won't Let Go'". Digital Journal. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
  5. ^ "YOU WON'T LET GO - Now Available for Download!". Michael W. Smith. February 4, 2014. Retrieved February 5, 2014.
  6. ^ "Michael W. Smith - Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved February 14, 2014.
  7. ^ "Michael W. Smith's 'Sovereign' Releases May 13; His First Worship Album Since 2008 Features Kari Jobe (TRACK LISTING/VIDEO)". Christian Music, Christian Music News, BREATHEcast. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  8. ^ a b Collar, Matt. "Sovereign - Michael W. Smith | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
  9. ^ a b Aspinwall, Grace S. (May 15, 2014). "Michael W. Smith: Sovereign (Sparrow Records)" (PDF). CCM Magazine. Salem Publishing. p. 34. ISSN 1524-7848. Retrieved May 14, 2014.
  10. ^ a b Bellomy, Brianne (May 20, 2014). "Review of Sovereign by Michael W. Smith". CM Addict. Retrieved May 21, 2014.
  11. ^ Holden, Tim (June 26, 2014). "Review: Sovereign - Michael W. Smith". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved June 27, 2014.
  12. ^ a b Andre, Jonathan (May 6, 2014). "Michael W. Smith – Sovereign | Reviews". Indie Vision Music. Retrieved May 8, 2014.
  13. ^ a b Rice, Mark (May 11, 2014). "Michael W. Smith, "Sovereign" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved May 12, 2014.
  14. ^ a b Davies, Jono (April 2, 2014). "Reviews - Michael W Smith - Sovereign". Louder Than the Music. Retrieved May 8, 2014.
  15. ^ a b Fine, Sarah (May 12, 2014). "Smitty Still A Player in Christian Music". New Release Tuesday. Retrieved May 12, 2014.
  16. ^ a b Dalton, Michael (May 30, 2014). "Smith, Michael W. - Sovereign". The Phantom Tollbooth. Retrieved May 31, 2014.
  17. ^ a b Chambers, Laura (May 8, 2014). "Michael W. Smith "Sovereign"". Christian Music Review. Retrieved May 12, 2014.
  18. ^ Andre, Joshua (May 12, 2014). "Michael W. Smith – Sovereign (Review)". Christian Music Zine. Archived from the original on May 14, 2014. Retrieved May 12, 2014.
  19. ^ Wilkerson, Jim (May 13, 2014). "Michael W. Smith: Sovereign". The Christian Music Review Blog. Retrieved May 21, 2014.
  20. ^ Worship Leader. "Top 20 Albums of 2014". Worship Leader. pp. 66–7. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
  21. ^ Worship Leader. "Top 20 Songs of 2014". Worship Leader (November/December 2014): 64–5. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  22. ^ a b Caulfield, Keith (May 21, 2014). "The Black Keys Earn First No. 1 Album, Michael Jackson Debuts at No. 2". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved May 23, 2014.
  23. ^ "Michael W. Smith - Sovereign (Deluxe)". Target. Retrieved December 3, 2014.
  24. ^ "Sovereign (Deluxe Edition) by Michael W. Smith". iTunes. May 13, 2014. Retrieved September 20, 2014.
  25. ^ "Sovereign (Deluxe Edition)". Amazon. Retrieved December 3, 2014.
  26. ^ "Michael W Smith Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  27. ^ "Michael W Smith Chart History (Christian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  28. ^ "Michael W Smith Chart History (Digital Albums)".[dead link‍] Billboard. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
  29. ^ "Michael W. Smith Album and Song Chart History - Christian Songs". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  30. ^ "Michael W. Smith - Chart History". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  31. ^ "Michael W. Smith - Chart History". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  32. ^ "Michael W. Smith - Chart History". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  33. ^ "Michael W. Smith - Chart History". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  34. ^ "Michael W. Smith - Chart History". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  35. ^ "Michael W. Smith - Chart History". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
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