The First Decade (1983–1993)

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.

The First Decade (1983–1993)
Compilation album by Michael W. Smith
Released	October 12, 1993
Recorded	1982–1993
Genre	Contemporary Christian music
Length	67:24
Label	Reunion
Michael W. Smith chronology
The Wonder Years 1983–1993 (1993) The First Decade (1983–1993) (1993) I'll Lead You Home (1995)

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic

Track listing

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Original album	Length
1.	"Do You Dream of Me?"	Amy Grant, Beverly Darnall, Michael W. Smith	new recording	4:19
2.	"Kentucky Rose"	Wayne Kirkpatrick, Michael W. Smith	new recording	5:27
3.	"Picture Perfect"		Change Your World (1992)	3:55
4.	"I Will Be Here for You"		Change Your World (1992)	4:35
5.	"Give It Away"		Change Your World (1992)	5:07
6.	"Place in This World"		Go West Young Man (1990)	3:59
7.	"Go West Young Man"		Go West Young Man (1990)	3:55
8.	"Pray for Me"		i 2 (EYE) (1988)	3:54
9.	"Secret Ambition"		i 2 (EYE) (1988)	6:27
10.	"Emily"		Go West Young Man (1990)	4:19
11.	"Old Enough to Know"		The Big Picture (1986)	4:48
12.	"Rocketown"		The Big Picture (1986)	4:35
13.	"I Am Sure"		Michael W. Smith 2 (1984)	4:44
14.	"Friends"		Change Your World (1992)	4:41
15.	"Great Is the Lord"		Michael W. Smith Project (1983)	2:54

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)
• James "JB" Baird – 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).

Chart performance

Chart (1993)	Peak position
US Christian Albums (Billboard)	1