Amy Grant - Somewhere Down the Road Review

It has been seven years since Amy's last studio album, and this new album will be worth the wait for eager fans. For those new to her or looking to to get to know her music again, this album shows the emotional depth of Amy's artistry and songwriting. While it doesn't tread any new ground sonically, the album is worth a listen and sure to please listeners of AC inspirational, or contemporary Christian, music.

The goal for this CD was to create a journey featuring some of the best story songs from Amy over the years; however, as the project took shape, the CD began to include more newer material than originally planned. For fans that have been waiting for seven years for new music from Amy, they will be delighted in the amount of new material.

From the first song to last, you are taken on an emotional journey through life. Many listeners will make several emotional connections with the songs. Topics range from feeling hope in the midst of despair and loneliness to accepting the lessons life teaches. Without a doubt many people will find comfort and hope in these during this hard time of life. The CD includes six new songs, one rerecorded classic, two unreleased songs, and three songs from other albums.

The first song and first single on the CD is a beautiful song called "Better Than a Hallelujah." Currently, this song is racing up the Christian AC charts, fueled in part by the emotional connections of the listeners. It speaks about the fact that sometimes all we can do is cry out in sorrow in our prayers, but God loves these honest cries just as much any praise. The soft melody of this mid-temp song is simple yet elegant with lyrics that are thoughtful and catchy. The chorus sums up the lyrical theme, "We pour out our miseries/ God just hears a melody/ Beautiful the mess we are/ the honest cries of breaking hearts/ are better than a hallelujah." Amy's voice has never sounded better than on this song.

The second song, "Overnight," is a slightly more upbeat and contemporary song that would feel at home on today's AC and Top 40 radio. The song features a duet with her daughter, Sarah Chapman. Both vocals sound light and fresh. Thematically, the song is about waiting for things to happen naturally rather than being impatient: "If it all just happened overnight/ you would never know how much it means."

"Find What You're Looking For," showcases Amy's strength as a philosophical songwriter that is able to dig into the depths of her soul. Another noteable aspect of the album is the new song "Third World Woman." Sonically is differently than any song Amy has done before, sounding a little tribal, bluesy, and rock. "Hard Times," and "Unafraid" round out the new songs included on the CD.

"What is the Chance of That," was originally recorded for Behind the Eyes, but it never made the CD. Luckily, this rocker made it onto this one. Sounding a little but reminiscent if the Eagle's, the song explores the questions that all of ponder at some point as we discover who were are and form our beliefs in life. The other unreleased gem on the CD is "Come into my World." This raw and emotional song is the original demo recorded during the Behind the Eyes sessions, featuring just Amy's vocals and guitar.

The update of the classic "Arms of Love," from Age to Age sounds as wonderful as the original. The new sound is fresh and doesn't take away anything from the song. The main difference that I hear is the maturity of Amy's voice.

The title song topped the CCM charts in the late 90's, and it is from the CD Behind the Eyes. Every Road can also be found on the same CD. "Imagine/ Sing the Wondrous Love of Jesus," can also be found on Legacy: Hymns and Faith.

Overall, the album is a solid effort and leave me wanting a true studio album from this gifted singer-songwriter.

Track Listing

1. Better Than A Hallelujah (new)
2. Overnight (Featuring Sarah Chapman) (new)
3. Every Road (from Behind the Eyes)
4. Unafraid (new)
5. Hard Times (new)
6. What Is The Chance Of That (previously unreleased)
7. Somewhere Down the Road (from Behind the Eyes) 
8. Third World Woman (new)
9. Find What You're Looking For (new)
10. Come Into My World (previously unreleased)
11. Arms Of Love (2010 version)
12. Imagine/Sing The Wondrous Love Of Jesus (Medley) (from Legacy)