The Big Picture is the third album by contemporary Christian music artist Michael W. Smith, released in 1986 on Reunion Records.[3] The title comes from the song "Pursuit of the Dream," in which it is heard a few times, but also applies to the variety of themes for young people to learn about from the various songs on the album. While "Pursuit of the Dream" instructs the listener to pursue their goals, other themes on the album include the folly of escapism ("Lamu"), sexual abstinence before marriage ("Old Enough to Know"), and maintaining a positive self image ("You're Alright"). The song "Tearing Down The Wall" opens with a reverse snippet of Amy Grant's "Emmanuel". The Big Picture was ranked at number 21 on CCM Magazine's100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music.[4] Smith won a GMA Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year at the 18th GMA Dove Awards and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance, Male at the 29th Grammy Awards.
Executive Producers – Michael Blanton, Dan Harrell and Brown Bannister
Producers – Michael W. Smith and John Potoker
Engineer and Mixing – John Potoker
Assistant Engineers – James "JB" Baird, Spencer Chrislu, Mike Clute, Ken Criblez, Nick Delre, Jeffrey Dovener, Rob Feaster, Jim Goldberger, Ed Goodreau, Tim Hattfield, Bill Heath, Keith Odell, Clarke Schleicher, Bob Vogt and Tony Volante.
Mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound (New York, NY).
Production Coordinator – Kimberly Smith
Art Direction and Design – Kent Hunter and Thomas Ryan
Photography – Beverly Ann Moore
Grooming – Jody Morlock and Julie Miller Overstreet
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