Prolific songwriter, modern worship pioneer, and award-winning artist Martin Smith continues to share his exuberant joy and faith throughout his latest single, “Joy (What The World Calls Foolish),” out today. In his illustrious 20+ year music career with more than 300M global streams to his name, Smith continues to pour out new music to share with the world. Listen to “Joy (What The World Calls Foolish)”HERE. A lyric video and a Worship Together live performance video also drop today – both can be viewed below.
“JOY…to the world – I’m so pleased this song is finally out.” Smith shares. “It’s more than a song but a testimony of how kind God is. That we can really only find true Joy in his presence. Even when there are cracks appearing all over my life, I can put on a garment of praise. Sometimes I lead worship with a guitar, sometimes I’ll grab a flag. The world may call it foolish, but something powerful happens when we praise God with passion and sacrifice. What costs us nothing changes nothing. So yep, not everyone’s cup of tea, I know, but I’m young enough to run around the room and old enough to not care what anyone thinks. Here comes the JOY.”
Martin 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.
“Why would I not sing of your praises?
Even when troubles come
Why would I not worship forever
Cos, I’ve seen the good you’ve done
And I’m not ashamed, I’m a sinner saved
No, I’m not afraid anymore
What the world calls foolish, you call freedom
Now, I won’t hold back anymore
I’ve got joy in the morning, joy in the evening
You keep me dancing, in every season
Whatever comes tomorrow, I’ve got joy…”
– lyrics from “Joy (What The World Calls Foolish)” penned by Martin Smith, David Moore, Jessie Harris, Matthew Harris, Ryan Rich, and Zach Rowe (Gateway Worship)
ABOUT MARTIN SMITH: Martin Smith is a modern worship pioneer who has made a global impact across 20+ years. His music sales have reached into the millions, achieving both platinum and gold status, alongside a collective of over 300M global streams and 1M albums sold in the U.S. His albums have consistently topped the charts, once holding the No. 1 position in the Christian music charts for a consecutive eight-month period. Additionally, he has had seven singles land in the Top 40 of the UK charts.
Nominated for numerous GMA 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 Festival’s main Pyramid Stage. He gained cultural significance by touring alongside Bon Jovi and Bryan Adams, securing a presence on general market platforms like BBC Radio 1 and MTV, while his mainstream success is underscored by seven singles landing in the top 40 of the UK charts. Additionally, he reached critical acclaim, being featured in 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 Kari 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.