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radioAmy Grant's latest album is questioned on its Christian links
A MAJOR storm has erupted in the American Christian music industry over the lyrical content of the new Amy Grant album 'Behind The Eyes' and it's validity in being described as "Christian" music. Rich Anderson, buyer for a large CCM outlet, thought Grant's 'Behind The Eyes' is not welcome in the CCM charts. He says, "It's not a Christian album. It should be clear about the person of Christ and these lyrics are not." Conversely, Jim Chaffe, general manager of Myrrh, said concerning Grant's profile, "I think you have to look at the preponderance of the artist's life. To this day Amy doesn't do an interview where she isn't asked about her Christianity."
A new committee is being set up by the Christian Music Trade
Association (CMTA) which, among other things, has been charged with
developing overall chart placement criteria. Billboard director for
charts Geoff Mayfield said they will listen to the recommendations but
Billboard must have the final say. Mayfield said, "It's hard to
explain to someone that all of a sudden this artist who has been on
Christian charts for years now doesn't belong on the Christian
chart."
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Rich Anderson apparently does not realize all the controversy Amy Grant has faced over the years of her recordings. Amy has been singing songs about GOD & life in general for many years now; the ccm world knows this!:they know that Amy is a believer in GOD, THAT HAS NOT CHANGED! Rich is basing his opinion based on lyric content only it seems; there is "A LOT" of so-called CCM out there that goes beyond lyric content. WHAT ABOUT THE RAP & HARD HEAVY MUSIC? There is so much ccm out there that you cannot decipher! Sometimes just hearing the tone of the music; especially if it is so loud! will turn me away from it. Amy Grant has faced so much criticism since her 1985 "Unguarded" lp; she is probably so used to hearing the negative all around: even from the so-called christian community. I am sure Amy does get tired of all the gossip etc; her lyrics in "The Feeling I Had" say "I'm just a little weary of "All" the talk and all the buzz". DOES EVERY CCM SONG MENTION GOD, JESUS, OR LORD? No it does not! But, there is enough there to tell you about the song; i.e. who is is being sung about etc. Listen to the lyrics of "Somewhere Down The Road"; this song moves me: wonder who has not been moved by it? "Takes a Little Time" reminds believers you can rise above your mistakes & life's problem situations; sometimes it takes a little time! These are very positive songs to sing!"Turn This World Around" I connected with right away after hearing it; "it's not that far to where hope can be found". We would all like to turn this world around from the direction it is going; TURN IT BACK TO GOD! Also, during this recording, it's not so hard to tell that, Amy was going through a lot of struggles in life; lyrical content makes it obvious. When it gets down to the nitty gritty, the title is so true, "we are all the same it seems, BEHIND THE EYES." Amy is a long time ccm vet; she has left her mark in the CCM genre. GOD Bless her!