Amy Grant, Vince Gill - Rock of Ages: Hymns & Faith
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Free Music Notes for Rock of Ages: Hymns & Faith
Free Music Review: Beautiful album but not equal to "Legacy"
Hit: 4 Stars
I have to agree with the first reviewer, who mentioned that this album didn't have the same power as "Legacy" - I've been a fan of Amy's for twenty years and thought Legacy was one of her best works ever. So I had equally high hopes for this one, and while it's enoyable, I'm afraid I have a problem with the non-melodic qualities of many of the songs. I'm not sure why the trend exists of taking a familar, strong, and beloved melody and removing the phrases and the hooks that make it so special ("Abide with Me" and "El Shaddai" being two examples here but there are more.) It's as if these great melodies were somehow evened out, made more bland.
I like the album and think Amy just sings better and better as she gets older (I'm just about her age, too :) but I wasn't moved by most of the songs here, despite her effort - I want to hear her voice soar in the melodies I love. She did that with "Legacy," and with my other favorite album "Behind the Eyes," but I thought this CD tried to "modernize" the songs in a way that took some of the life out of them. And I say that despite the strength of the singing and the backing - I just can't imagine I'll play this one very much, and it surprises me to say that. I know singers want to lend their own interpretation to familiar material - there are points at which new interpretations simply diminish the original, other times when the original songs are given new power - but the latter wasn't true for me, for the most part, with this CD.
Free Music Review: More capturing than Legacy, although less recognizable
Hit: 4 Stars
This album is a lot like Legacy, except it's more up-tempo and the country factor is upped a bit. It's also a bit more worshipful focused rather than "i've made some mistakes and created problems, and am glad that God has forgiven me" focused (like Legacy was, which was appropriate for the time it was released).
I have to admit at first i wasn't too keen on this album but it quickly grew on me. There's a few exceptions, a couple of the slow numbers really don't work for me that well, but others are simply amazing ... both El Shaddai and Carry You are really capturing.
The definite highlight, though is the medley of "Jesus Loves Me/They'll Know We Are Christians/Helping Hand". It's fast, it's catchy, and it's nice to hear Helping Hand with a more modern, timeless feel (and not those cheesy drum programming that the original version had).
All in all, I find myself wanting to listen to this album basically the whole way through. With Legacy I can do that sometimes, but I usually find myself grasping for the faster songs like "My Jesus, I Love Thee" and "Fairest Lord Jesus". So while not all of these songs are as well known as those off "Legacy", and some of the more personal edge is gone off this album, this effort seems more cohesive overall and hardly ever ventures into sleepy land.
Overall a very solid effort.
Free Music Review: Excellent ""Hymns and Faith" songs
Hit: 4 Stars
The days of Amy Grant's mainstream success in the mid-90s with hits like "Lucky One" are far behind Amy. Instead of trying to refind that mainstream success, Amy instead returns again to her earlier Christian roots, with excellent results.
"Rock of Ages" (13 tracks, 45 min.) is an excellent sequel to 2002's "Legacy" album, again covering well known and not so well known old time hymns and religious material. The album's opener, "Anywhere With Jesus" is a delight, with a long instrumental intro that gives way to Amy's soaring vocals, just beautiful. There are many highlights on here, such as "Sweet Will of God", with the vocals-only intro, and "O Master, Let Me Walk With You", among others. Country superstar Vince Gill (Amy's husband) co-produced the album, with great results.
This album will not bring Amy renewed mainstream success, nor was it intended to (presumably), although it of course would be nice if this delicious collection sold millions. "Rock of Ages" proves that Christian music doesn't have to boring. This album is a delight from start to finish. Highly recommeded!
Free Music Review: Hymns With a Modern Touch
Hit: 4 Stars
This is an enjoyable CD which takes some old hymns and gives them a modern touch. For the most part, the update is a country sound.
Amy Grant has a voice that is superb. She gave a very good performance on several of these songs. In particular, I like her versions of 'Rock of Ages', and 'Abide With Me'. She has a great sounding version of 'El Shaddai' on here, but of course this is not the only CD of hers where one could find that.
For those who enjoy a modern twist on old hymns, this is a worthwhile collection. I would also recommend the recent CDs by 'Passion' and 'Jars of Clay' which have also done that.
Free Music Review: Good job, Amy
Hit: 4 Stars
Amy Grant's distinctive voice is in fine form on this CD. I'm glad she has gone back to singing overtly Christian music as opposed to her more secular material.
Yes, Amy does get a lot of help from her husband Vince Gill. Not only did he co-produce this CD, but you hear his harmony vocal and guitar all over this CD. Amy and Vince sing a soulful duet on "Rock of Ages."
There is a lot of country feel on this CD. Amy's version of "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" is downright bluegrass. The closing song, "Oh Love That Will Not Let Me Go," is done in a modern jazz style.