Music Review: Somewhere Down The Road
Posted March 23, 2010
By ChristianManifesto,
By Brian Hall
GENRE: POP/SINGER-SONGWRITER
LABEL: SPARROW RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: MARCH 30, 2010
RATING: 3.75 OUT OF 5
Amy Grant is easily one of the most legendary artists in CCM history, right there with Michael W. Smith, Keith Green, Michael Card, Rich Mullens and Steven Curtis Chapman. She also is the maker of what most reviewers and critics and “suits” believe is the best and most influential Christian record of all time; a little album called Lead Me On released back in 1988. While some of us younger folks would love to contend that notion, I can’t help but partially agree with them. Lead Me On asked hard questions about life and even theology, but never offered clear answers; therefore opening dialogue that otherwise may not have taken place among lay people. For that, and the mainstream radio friendly sound, it easily became one of the most loved records in CCM history. While Amy has released a plethora of other albums, ranging from collections of hymns, to country, to dance pop, story songs have always her strong point. Now, it is 2010; a new decade, and a new generation of music lovers ready to consume whatever sonic goodness is thrown in our general direction. So is Somewhere Down The Road just another ripple in the pond, a wave eroding at the rocky shore, or is it that fat kid that jumps in the pool and drains it of all its water, much to the dismay of bystanders?
Well, to be clear: this is not a bad album. It is not revolutionary like Lead Me On may have been, but it is not beyond enjoyment either. The first track, Better Than A Hallelujah displays Amy in wondrous artistic form; from the songs thoughtful lyrics (“God loves a lullaby, in a mothers tears in the dead of night, better than a ‘hallelujah’ sometimes…”) to Amy’s unmistakable vocals. Musically it is forgivable that it leans more towards 80’s-90’s acoustic pop, seeing as a few of the songs were recorded during that very time, and the album would be a mess if it didn’t have continuity to its credit. Other true standouts include Overnight; a mellow duet with Amy’s youngest daughter Sarah Chapman who sounds very much like Colbie Callait, the title track that is a total throw back to Amy’s glory days, the tribal Third World Woman, a song that explores charity in a thoughtful and unique way, and Arms Of Love (not the song that Kutless made famous on their Strong Tower album).
I was disappointed in a few places; Imagine/Sing The Wondrous Love Of Jesus is mediocre at best and easily skipable and Come Into My World is another less memorable song.
If you are an Amy Grant fan from any point in her illustrious career, Somewhere Down The Road is perfect for you. If you are new to Amy’s music, this album will be hit-or-miss for you. Overall it is highly enjoyable, but hardly memorable.
Review copy provided courtesy of Sparrow Records
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from The Christian Manifesto. Click here to visit TheChristianManifesto.com today! View All Music And Book Reviews By ChristianManifesto | View ChristianManifesto's Profile
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