Reviewed by Ian Hayter

After six Grammys and over 30 million sales, Amy Grant is back with a new album, mixing four new songs with a batch of previously unreleased cuts from the archives. It's unmistakably Ms Grant, with country-tinged ballads intermixed with catchy pop melodies, all underscored by a sense of love and wonder at God's grace during a time which she admits has been tough. The opening song, Sarah Hart and Chapin Hartford's "Better Than A Hallelujah", is a poignant reminder that God listens to every cry of our hearts and a song that Amy says helped her through the death of a close friend (fellow musician Ruth McGinnis). "Overnight" is a duet with her daughter Sarah Chapman, from whose father, Gary, Amy was splitting up when she wrote the raw "Come Into My World" (one of the previously unreleased songs from the vaults). "What Is The Chance Of That" has a slight feel of Shania Twain about it and "Unafraid", a favourite at her live shows, is recorded here for the first time. With seven other tracks there's nothing too unexpected here, but the performance and production are immaculate, with excellent arrangements for the backing musicians and plenty of emotion in the vocals. If you are familiar with Ms Grant's oeuvre you will know what to expect and you won't be disappointed. If you've never listened before, then this is a wonderful album to start with. As always, true class shines through and the message of God's love is clearly heard.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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