CCM EXCLUSIVE: Music Behind the Movie A Week Away Part 2—Michael W. Smith

Capitol CMG and Netflix are seeing millions of streams for the newly released hit soundtrack for Netflix’s Christian movie, A Week Away. Instantly familiar, yet completely new, the film’s soundtrack features hits from Christian music icons reimagined and revamped to engage today’s listeners. The movie stars former Disney Channel and current Hallmark Channel stars Bailee Madison and Kevin Quinn. Songs featured in the film and on the soundtrack include, Amy Grant’s “Baby, Baby,” Steven Curtis Chapman’s “Great Adventure” and “Dive,” Michael W. Smith’s “Place in this World,” Audio Adrenaline’s “Big House,” Rich Mullins’ “Awesome God,” and for KING & COUNTRY’s “God Only Knows.”

In this interview series, CCMmagazine.com will bring you EXCLUSIVE interviews with many of the original artists whose songs were featured in the Netflix original movie, A Week Away. Next up…Michael W. Smith.

CCM: How did you first learn about A Week Away? What were your thoughts when you learned that your iconic song “Place in This World” would be included in Netflix’s newest original film?
I actually first heard about the film when someone called about getting permission to use the song in it. I knew I wanted it included right away.

CCM: What was it like to hear “Place in This World” reimagined?
It’s been really amazing! And even more amazing that there are people hearing the song for the very first time. I thought they did a great job, and I love the movie.

CCM: Where were you–in life, in your career, etc.–when this song originally came out? What was going on? What did it mean to you then, and what does it mean to you now?
This song was inspired by many listeners who wrote me letters. . .especially young women who were frequently struggling with their identities and many even who were contemplating suicide. I believe one might have even said in a letter, “I’m just trying to find my place in this world.” That’s why I wrote it. To know that this song was a lifesaver for many–it doesn’t get any better than that. I am very grateful!

CCM: As a whole new generation is introduced to your music, what do you most hope they take away from it?
Well of course, you hope they discover all the other songs that I’ve written over the last 37 years. But I’m grateful they discovered “Place in This World.” I still sing it after all these years.

CCM: Worship and song can create such a powerful connection to God and to others, reminding us that we are not alone: someone else has been where we are, and God sees us and knows what we’re going through. How do you anticipate those connections to be strengthened through the music of A Week Away?

The music draws the listener in, the movie is very well done and it’s a lot of fun. But, there are those deep moments in the film that make you think about your life. . . “Why am I here?” “Maybe there is a purpose for my life. . .” “Maybe there is a God. . .”

CCM: The soundtrack and film are releasing almost exactly a year after the start of the pandemic. It has been a year of isolation for so many. What do you think of this unique timing? What do you hope listeners get out of the soundtrack and musical?
Well, the timing is perfect. I think the film brings a good dose of joy and goodness, which is something we all need. Actually seeing these actors dancing together and singing together–it’s contagious! The one most important thing that I hope people will take away from the film, is that they will realize that they are not here by mistake. That they reconnect with why they are here and realize that God really does love them.

YouTube Soundtrack Playlist:

Spotify Soundtrack Playlist:

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Soundtrack Track Listing:
1 – Let’s Go Make A Memory
by Kevin Quinn & Bailee Madison & Jahbril Cook & Kat Conner Sterling & Iain Tucker & The Cast Of Netflix’s Film A Week Away

2 – The Great Adventure
by Kevin Quinn & Bailee Madison & Jahbril Cook & Kat Conner Sterling & Iain Tucker & Sherri Shepherd & The Cast Of Netflix’s Film A Week Away

3 – Good Enough
by Kevin Quinn & Bailee Madison & Jahbril Cook & Kat Conner Sterling & The Cast Of Netflix’s Film A Week Away

4 – Dive
by Kevin Quinn & Bailee Madison & Jahbril Cook & Kat Conner Sterling & Iain Tucker & The Cast Of Netflix’s Film A Week Away

5 – Baby, Baby
by Jahbril Cook & Kevin Quinn & The Cast Of Netflix’s Film A Week Away

6 – Place In This World
by Kevin Quinn & Bailee Madison & The Cast Of Netflix’s Film A Week Away

7 – Big House
by Kevin Quinn & Bailee Madison & Jahbril Cook & Kat Conner Sterling & Iain Tucker & The Cast Of Netflix’s Film A Week Away

8 – Awesome God / God Only Knows (Campfire Medley)
by Kevin Quinn & Bailee Madison & Jahbril Cook & Kat Conner Sterling & Iain Tucker & The Cast Of Netflix’s Film A Week Away

9 – Where I Belong
by Kevin Quinn & The Cast Of Netflix’s Film A Week Away

10 – Best Thing Ever (Stage Version)
by Kevin Quinn & The Cast Of Netflix’s Film A Week Away

11 – Best Thing Ever (Reprise)
by Kevin Quinn & Bailee Madison & Jahbril Cook & Kat Conner Sterling & Iain Tucker & The Cast Of Netflix’s Film A Week Away

12 – Best Thing Ever
by JOHNNYSWIM

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