No account of Christian music history would dare to exclude Amy Grant from a notable mention. One of the genre's first true crossover stars, Amy Grant was the queen of Christian music who even achieved several notable hits on mainstream charts. The 1990s could arguably be viewed as the peak of her career, riding the success of hit albums, like Heart in Motion and House of Love.
Around the time she released Behind The Eyes in 1997, in contrast to her thriving commercial presence, her personal life sent her through some trying times. In the face of her ending marriage to fellow Christian singer Gary Chapman, Amy released an album reflecting the difficult places she'd found herself in. As that album turns 25 (and Amy Grant prepares to rerelease it), we take a look back.
Changing Times
As both life and the musical landscape changed, Amy's sound evolved with it. As the 1990s entered their ember years, the bubblegum pop of the Heart in Motion years became somewhat less in style. Darker and grittier sounds became more popular across the music spectrum. Many of the songs on this album fit well with this musical drift.
Album opener "Nobody Home" is a somber reflection on the decline of small-town America that boasts a signature Amy Grant sound with just a hint of country and a moody vibe. Mainstream singles "Like I Love You" and "I Will Be Your Friend" are appropriately emotional and anthemic to be contemporary pop radio singles.
And while both songs are ultimately encouraging in theme, I can see the cracks of turbulence in Amy's personal life at the time breaking through. Gone is the relentless optimism of "Baby, Baby" and instead, there is a more sobering and somber hit sound.
Taking A Little Time
For both the Christian and mainstream markets, the most iconic song from this release would arguably be "Takes A Little Time." The song still finds itself receiving airplay these days. While boasting some upbeat melodies and musical hooks, I look at the lyrics and see a heart reflecting on going through many trials. But the lyrics point to the encouragement that we can and will make it through if we just give it the time.
25th Anniversary
Rereleasing old projects has become sort of a trend for Amy, as nostalgia becomes more and more marketable in our culture. It should come as no surprise that this album is also getting such treatment as it hits its silver--25th--anniversary. What may be surprising is just how much new content Amy added to the release.
In addition to some updated versions of some of the album's hits, Amy added enough B-sides to the project to legitimately create a second full-length album. While a handful of them was released around the time Amy dropped the album, a lot of these will likely be completely new to fans. Almost like discovering a long-lost album from a time capsule. Take a look back and stream the album for yourself.
J.J. Francesco is a longtime contributor to the NRT Staff. He's published the novel 'Because of Austin' and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community. His new Christmas novel releases this holiday season.
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