The First Decade (1983–1993) Explained

The First Decade (1983–1993)
Type:	compilation
Artist:	Michael W. Smith
Cover:	firstdecade.jpg
Released:	October 12, 1993
Recorded:	1982–1993
Genre:	Contemporary Christian music
Length:	67:24
Label:	Reunion
Prev Title:	The Wonder Years 1983–1993
Prev Year:	1993
Next Title:	I'll Lead You Home
Next Year:	1995

The First Decade (1983–1993) is a compilation album from Christian recording artist Michael W. Smith. This album also features two new songs "Do You Dream of Me?" and "Kentucky Rose". A follow-up compilation album, The Second Decade (1993–2003), was released ten years later, picking up where The First Decade left off.

Personnel

Credits for new recordings

• Michael W. Smith – lead vocals, backing vocals (1), acoustic piano (2)
• Mark Hammond – keyboard programming (1), bass and drum programming (1)
• Mark Heimmerman – keyboards (2), backing vocals (2)
• Phil Madeira – Hammond B3 organ (2)
• Jerry Dale McFadden – accordion (2)
• Dann Huff – guitars (1, 2)
• Gary Chapman – pedabro (2), backing vocals (2)
• Jerry McPherson – mandolin (2)
• Tommy Sims – bass (2)
• Steve Brewster – drums (2)
• Terry McMillan – percussion (2), harmonica (2)
• Amy Grant – backing vocals (1)
• Chris Harris – backing vocals (2)

Production

• Michael Blanton – executive producer
• Michael W. Smith – executive producer, co-producer (2), producer (3-15)
• Mark Hammond – producer (1)
• Mark Heimmerman – producer (2-5), mixing (2)
• Bryan Lenox – co-producer (6, 7, 10)
• Wayne Kirkpatrick – producer (8, 9)
• John Potoker – producer (11, 12)
• Ronnie Brookshire – engineer (1), mixing (1)
• Todd Robbins – engineer (1)
• Joe Baldridge – engineer (2), mixing (2)
• JB – engineer (2)
• Dave Dillbeck – second engineer (1)
• Amy Hughes – second engineer (2)
• David Hall – mix assistant (2)
• Nick Sparks – technician assistant (1)
• Hank Williams – mastering (1, 2)
• Julee Brand – cover coordinator
• Elizabeth Simmons – cover coordinator
• Buddy Jackson – art direction
• D.L. Rhodes – art direction
• Beth Middleworth – design
• Mark Tucker – photography
• June Arnold – grooming

Studios

• Recorded at Deer Valley Studio and Fun Attic Studio (Franklin, Tennessee); Quad Studios (Nashville, Tennessee).
• Mixed at Emerald Sound Studios and Sixteenth Avenue Sound (Nashville, Tennessee).
• Mastered at MasterMix (Nashville, Tennessee).