The Newsboys (a New beginning Review)

Tait and the Newsboys
A New Direction for a Legendary Christian Rock Band





More than a few Christian music fans were surprised when in March the Newsboys announced on their website that longtime front man Peter Furler would be replaced by former DC Talk vocalist Michael Tait. The responses from fans have been mixed at best.
The End of a Christian Music Era

Many lament the loss of one of the most iconic voices in Christian music. Others express guarded optimism noting the amazing musicianship and vocal prowess of Michael Tait. One thing that is not in dispute: while many singers could not hope to match the range or power of Peter Furler, Michael definitely can.

While this represents a very clear shift for the Newsboys, it is not as dramatic as some may think. Even though Furler is stepping aside as the lead singer, he has stated he will still be involved in both the writing and production of the Newsboys future albums. He has also stated he will make several guest appearances with the band on the road this year and it is safe to assume that may continue for a couple of more seasons.

The band has also not specifically said who will be the lead singer on future recordings. On their latest album it was Peter Furler though that will most likely change to Tait for subsequent albums.
A Common Course in Christian Rock

Newsboys has existed as a band for over 20 years with more albums sold, awards, and sold out concerts than almost any other band in the history of contemporary Christian music. The real question is how will this impact their future.

Read more at Suite101: Tait and the Newsboys: A New Direction for a Legendary Christian Rock Band http://christian-rock-music.suite101.com/article.cfm/tait_and_the_newsboys#ixzz0onm6axHD





The Christian music industry has seen many previous groups go through similar changes with varying levels of success including Petra, The Paul Colman Trio, Plus One, and DC Talk. Each group’s journey was different, but each of them ended up taking a significantly new direction in terms of their music. It would be safe to assume the same for the Newsboys.
Tait's Influence on Newsboys Songs

The continued involvement of Furler on the recording end is an excellent sign. One of the elements that made the Newsboys so popular were quirky, yet sincere lyrics that created a type of poetry in their songs that set them apart from other bands. That should continue with Furler still a part of the writing process. Likewise the trademark sound shouldn’t change much either as both the band members and the label aren’t changing.

It is difficult to say how Michael Tait’s presence will influence the writing and production direction of future albums. He is an excellent writer and well versed in the production side of the recording industry. If he is meant only as a substitute for Furler on tour, then the style shouldn’t change much. But if he adds his assists in writing and production then it is anyone’s guess what the final product will be.
The Future for Both the Newsboys and Tait

It is still much too early to draw conclusions on the future of the Newsboys. But one thing is sure: the Newsboys have been one of the most enduring Christian rock bands of all time. They have outlived dozens of other groups and flourished in countless musical fads and phases. It would not be surprising if they last another twenty years with Michael Tait at the helm.

Read more at Suite101: Tait and the Newsboys: A New Direction for a Legendary Christian Rock Band http://christian-rock-music.suite101.com/article.cfm/tait_and_the_newsboys#ixzz0onm6axHD





“Born Again” Single Goes To Number 1 At Radio!

by admin on May.13, 2010, under News

May 13, 2010 - Nashville, TN - “Born Again,” the first single to debut from newsboys’ upcoming brand new CD of the same name, has reached No. 1 at CHR radio! The full CD, Born Again, hits the streets July 13th, courtesy of Inpop Records.

“What a way to start my new position at Inpop!” exclaims Andrew Patton, General Manager, Inpop Records. “I’m so excited for the band and can’t wait for the rest of the world to hear the record that I’m hearing. The song ‘Born Again’ is a solid indication of the amazing, fresh music from newsboys.”

This No. 1 hit song, which is also climbing up the AC charts, is popular with not only the fans but is a huge hit with radio stations as well. Here are just a few comments that have come in from promoters:

“The new newsboys song ‘Born Again’ with new lead singer Michael Tait has completely been embraced by our listeners here in eastern Iowa. After so many years of breaking new musical ground, it was hard to imagine that they could do it again; but with this song, newsboys have proven that anyone can truly be ‘Born Again.’”
- Gator J. Gaynor, MD, KXGM/Cedar Rapids

“The BIG band is back! BIG message. BIG vocals. BIG production. BIG decision. ‘Born Again’ claims the top spot! Way to go guys!”
- Noonie Fugler, PD, KLFF/San Luis Obispo

“‘Born Again’ takes newsboys to the next level and our listeners are loving it!”
- Johnathan Michaels, MD, WJLZ/Va. Beach-Norfolk, VA

“Born Again is more than just another title of a newsboys record -it is every believers’ profession of their faith in God our Maker,” proclaims Michael Tait. “Not very often do artists get to connect with their listeners on such a wide-scaled demographic as this song has thus far. The newsboys are incredibly passionate about creating music for the masses, it’s a brand new day for us and we are armed and ready. ‘Born Again’ says it all; it’s round 2 for the Boys; all aboard!”


THE LAST CD- THE HANDS OF GOD


Adult Contemporary
newsboys
Inpop Records

CBN.com –In the Hands of God is the album newsboys fans have been waiting for, and not just their fans, but everyone who loves rock 'n' roll pushed to its breaking point. The album, described as a return to the classic newsboys sound, is actually a forward-moving proclamation from a band doing what it does best.

To date, newsboys sold over 6 million albums, minted five gold records, charted more than 25 No. 1 radio hits and earned four GRAMMY nominations. In the Hands of God, however, wipes the slate clean with vivid flashbacks to a fresh-faced Australian band struggling to find its place. By retracing its early footsteps, the band captures an urgency and hunger that lights the songs ablaze with internal fire. The album then channels this energy into an unbreakable string of quick-hitting melodies that never seem to fade. It's newsboys laid bare, as seen through the looking glass of God's providence.

"The Way We Roll" starts the journey with loud guitars, slappin' beats and snarling punk vocals that offer a bird's eye view to the indignities suffered as a young band. "No Grave" doesn't let up, using hometown memories to ponder death's defeat as anvil-heavy chords empty into a ferocious bridge. Songs like "Glorious" and "In the Hands of God" take a reflective turn with verses steeped in grateful memories and choruses exploding into worship. "My Friend Jesus" gives the album a humorous twist with images of a caller going mad from waiting on hold, while "This Is Your Life" drops audio ear candy with waves of guitars crashing over electro-pop pulses. And while In the Hands of God opens with a defiant anthem from a band that refused surrender, "RSL 1984" closes the disc with band visionary Peter Furler offering a touching look at his youth beautifully poured out like a diary over piano keys, strings and electric/acoustic guitars.

As is the norm, In the Hands of God continues the lyrical partnership between Furler and music icon Steve Taylor, but the disc added some new names to the production front. Studio wizard Max Hsu (Superchick, tobyMac) – described as "a fantastic sounding board and someone who really understands what fans like best about the band" – made his debut as a newsboys producer, while bassist-keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein joined Furler for the first time as a co-producer. The band also welcomed back longtime guitarist Jody Davis, who left the group in 2003 to care for a daughter with cerebral palsy, rejoining a lineup that still features Duncan Phillips' masterful backbeat.

As already announced on their website, In the Hands of God marks Furler's final album as the band's lead vocalist. His passion is the songwriting and production, and as a band known for its enterprising ingenuity, Furler will now help drive the creative momentum as a new singer takes over the vocal reins for future tours and albums. Of course, the band ignited an immediate buzz when it announced the new vocalist was GRAMMY-winning dc Talk singer Michael Tait.

"In the Hands of God is the perfect album to close this chapter of my life and start afresh with an exciting new role within the band," says Furler, who will still make guest appearances at select live shows. "newsboys have always been an idea first and foremost, not a band or a singer. It's about people pulling together their gifts and talents in a collaboration that makes a difference in people's lives."

newsboys are special in that they've always been about more than the people on stage. For example, Steve Taylor doesn't perform with the band, but he's certainly part of the creative team, and to that extent, Tait is also a longtime member of the newsboys family. With both groups starting in America at the same time, newsboys and dc Talk played over 100 shows together, rode in each other's buses on tour and joined each other on stage. Tait can even be seen singing with the newsboys on their 2002 DVD From The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, and naturally he provided background vocals on In the Hands of God.

“newsboys and dc talk have been musical 'cousins,' so to speak, for years, so when the call came, it felt pretty natural to me to step in to fill Peter's shoes,” Tait remarks. “It's a perfect merger that joins the best of both worlds; I feel like I'm helping to carry on the tradition of two legendary bands who helped put Christian music on the map. newsboys and the fans have really welcomed me into this new era of the band, and In The Hands Of God is one of the newsboys’ best albums so far. As I look ahead, I really believe the best is yet to come. I’m excited to be a part of it.”
"Everyone who bought a newsboys album probably bought a dc Talk album as well," remarks Furler, "and once you hear Michael sing the songs and talk about the future, it's undeniable."

And the future's never looked brighter. They've made an album that recaptures the emotional energy of their youth with songs that propel the band into the future. Sure, some might say there are elements of Not Ashamed on steroids or a more personal Adoration, but In the Hands of God is an ensemble of creative sparks that prove that viscerally honest narratives can still be inspired rambunctious fun.

"Most bands do their best work early, but we feel In the Hands of God is as strong as our strongest," declares Furler.




MY THOUGHTS


I am still blown away Peter is not the front man for now as Tait said earlier
everyone who bought a DC Talk Album bought a Newsboys Album i was one of those guys who wasn't a fan of DC Talk although i Respected them as a Christian Band but i thought the two Bands were so much diffrent but those are my thoughts .

I personally think it brings the end of a Era for the Newsboys a New beginning
as for me the title of the new cd is called Born Again maybe that is telling us something but for me i am a fan who is not sure if i will cont to buy the New Newsboys albums time will tell but im grateful for the memories of the past
years of the best music i ever heard in a long time in christian music ..
I think Tait voice is very soulful which does not blend in with the Newsboys
earlier stuff , As i here him sing out the Newsboys songs i find him struggling to get the right lyric but as for a singer he has a great voice but i think he would of been great as a solo Artist . Time will tell as we focus and listen to the sound of the Newsboys new material, May we keep them in our prayers .


WHAT ANOTHER FAN WROTE

Ever since Michael Tait joined Newsboys, there has been much anticipation to hear what the new Newsboys would sound like. That time has come with the Born Again EP which has 5 songs off the upcoming full release of the same title. The EP kicks off with the title track which is boldly named pronouncing not only the status of a Christ follower’s life, but the rebirth of Newsboys themselves. Born Again is a classic pop/rock anthem featuring the unmistakable driving guitar of Jody Davis that dominates the song and never lets up. Tait’s vocals boldly proclaim ‘This is what it is/This is who I am/This is where I finally take my stand/I didn’t want to fall/but I don’t have to crawl/I met the one with two scarred hands/Givin’ Him the best of/Everything that’s left of/The life inside this man.’ “One Shot” is stylistically similar to “Born Again,” and is also forefronted by a raw guitar sound but backs off in the verses and the bridge where keys and synths take over. Davis’ voice harmonize well with Tait and it’s nice to finally hear Jody’s backing vocals prominently for the first time since Love Liberty Disco. Lyrically “One Shot” reminds us that everyone just has ‘one shot/to prove what they’re all about.’ Both “Born Again” and “One Shot” are songs that are clearly Newsboys with their full sound and in-your-face lyrics that beg to be sung along to.

“On Your Knees” and “I’ll Be” are more mid-tempo pop/rock ballads. “On Your Knees” reminds me of classic Newsboys ballads such as “Million Pieces,” “Believe,” or “Beautiful Sound.” While musically it is slightly generic in the verses, Michael Tait’s vocal work carries the song to an amazing bridge where the song really shines and more distinctive sounds come out. “I’ll Be” is a song sung from God to the listener with strong encouragement of ‘You will find me at the point of your breaking/behind all the noise/when your world is darkest I can still see/’cause when there’s nothing left/I’ll be.’ Musically “I’ll Be” is beautiful with prominent string work that is reminiscent of Jeff Frankenstein’s string arrangements on Love Liberty Disco and multiple Newsboys remixes, amazing vocals from Tait, and perfectly placed backing vocals, that unfortunately are Tait’s and not Jody Davis’. Both of these songs feel like they would fit onto an album of Michael Tait’s short-lived band “Tait,” but at the same time are not at all out of place on a Newsboys record.

The weakest song from the Born Again EP is certainly “When the Boys Light Up.” Musically the song is an interesting mix of hip-hop and pop/rock and it somehow works pretty well. It would fit right in on a TobyMac album and it is hard not to want sing along with and bob your head with the beat. The issue with “”Light Up” is in the lyrics. The second verse directly references Tait’s entry into the band and how the ‘boys are back for the second act.’ I have never been a big fan of artists that write songs that are about their own success as “Light Up” does. The song is clear that their success if from God and that the band is only the ‘conduit,’ but it still takes little creativity to write songs like this and listeners do not relate to having the success of a major recording artist. This problem is magnified that Newsboys last two albums have featured songs with similar messages in “Wherever We Go,” and “The Way We Roll.” Also, while some of the lyrics of the song are pretty clever (I suspect Steve Taylor had a hand in them) others fall flat such as ‘up and down like a yo-yo, mama.”

Overall the Born Again EP is an excellent collection of music. The music and production is top notch and offers a good mix of harder in-your-face songs as well as more encouraging pop songs and even some hip-hop thrown in. Lyrically the EP is not quite as strong as it is musically as it at times lacks some creativity, but overall the lyrics are still quite good with both strong proclamations of what it means to be Christians as well as thoughtful and inspiring encouragements. If the rest of Born Again is as good as the songs on the EP, it should be an album that is hard not to select on your digital media player.



THE HANDS OF GOD CD

THE HANDS OF GOD
With five gold albums, sales exceeding six million units, more than 20 No.1 radio hits, and a mantle of Dove Awards as well as Grammy nominations, newsboys has achieved phenomenal success in its two decades together. Known for its amazing live performances and groundbreaking tours, the band continues to sell out festivals and concerts worldwide, satisfying diehard fans and winning new ones in the process. Newsboys' fourteenth record, This is the last album with Peter at the helm (at least vocally) and I must say it is one of their best. I've been a Newsboys fan since Hell is for Wimps back in 91, and I just never wanted to bring myself to the fact that one day it would have to end. No, the Newsboys aren't over, but now that Michael Tait is taking over as lead singer, it feels like its over. To me Peter IS the Newsboys. Anyway as for this record its all Peter and its wonderful. The continued collaboration with Steve Taylor shines through again with great lyrics and the production value has never been better. In all a great album that does not disappoint.

Michael w Smith , A New Hallelujah Review

MAY 23,2010

Wow. Michael W. Smith along with 12,000 worshippers!
Sorry for writing a Review since the album came out august 2009
he is still touring on the cd and getting many great reviews
Join Michael W. Smith, 12,000 worshippers and a 250-voice choir and friends Israel Houghton, Coalo Zamorano and The African Children’s Choir also contribute vocals and passion to this monumental night of worship.

Experience the electricity of the mood, the moving music and the insights of one of CCM's most-loved recording artists and worship leaders as he guides hearts into passionate praise. A New Hallelujah - The Live Worship DVD features all of the songs from A New Hallelujah CD, plus four new tracks & behind-the-scenes footage.

Track Listing:

1. Intro
2. Prepare Ye The Way
3. A New Hallelujah
4. When I Think Of You
5. Mighty To Save
6. Shout Unto God
7. Amazing Grace/ My Chains Are Gone
8. Deep In Love With You
9. Healing Rain/ Let It Rain
10. Majesty
11. I Surrender All
12. Grace
13. Michael W Smith Sharing
14. Help Is On The Way
15. The River Is Rising


Michael W. Smith



A live performance is a definite asset in the genre of worship, especially in DVD format, where the sight of a sea of raised hands enhances the shared sense of a church community. This month, Michael W. Smith releases the companion high definition DVD to last year’s live CD, A New Hallelujah, already nominated for the Dove Award category “Praise & Worship Album of the Year.” MWS may as well stand for “Makes Worship Simple.“ This live album works better as a DVD than a CD: the songs, mostly original and mostly less than extraordinary, are elevated to a higher level thanks to the visual energy and excitement of a live performance infused with Smith’s charisma.

The DVD was recorded live with 12,000 people in a Houston, Texas venue that’s almost too big for comfort; when the camera pans back to reveal the oval-shaped arena, it’s more like watching the Superbowl than experiencing an intimate moment between a congregation and God. Fortunately, the photographers quickly bounce back to the warmth of the stage, providing good close-ups of the choir, band members, instruments, and details such as guitar picks lined up on Smith‘s mike stand like tiny shark fins.

The DVD follows the CD very closely, supposedly with the addition of four new tracks, according to publicity releases, although “A New Hallelujah (Reprise)” is not really so very new – we already heard it early on in the concert. There are three new faces in the lineup. “Love in His Right Hand” is an okay piano ballad, while “Oh Draw Me Lord (Draw Me Near)” is a simple praise tune featuring violin and a refreshing female lead. “Oh draw me near oh draw me near oh draw me near / And I’ll run after You” (“Oh Draw Me Lord (Draw Me Near.)”) “Siwano” is a short, foreign-tongue ditty sung by the African Children’s Choir from Uganda, spiced up nicely with a few children playing hand drums. The children’s choir, a marginal addition to the CD, adds a lot of visual impact to the DVD, with purple and orange robes, coordinated dance moves, and cherubic, gaps-in-their-teeth smiles.

The hypnotic drum intro, with Smith and two others playing rack toms under a waterfall of stage lights, is a visual and audio moment reminiscent of Blue Man Group, but if you want to hear the rumble with your belly button, you have to play the song on a system equipped with a decent subwoofer. Familiar tunes “Mighty to Save” and “Amazing Grace/My Chains are Gone” suit Smith’s vocal style well, while guest Coalo Zamorano sings “I Surrender All“ with a rich timbre that makes every note melt like butter. However, “Shout Unto God,” its flatline melody somewhat revived by exciting visuals, is better on DVD versus CD. Similarly, the mediocre “When I Think of You” comes alive with the added visual dimension of children swaying and dancing.

Fans might be disappointed with the 13 minute “Behind the Scenes” special feature consisting of informal clips, often shot with a disturbingly spotty camera lens, of various staff and equipment. It has a homemade feel rather than documentary, and doesn’t add much insight into Smith’s motivations or character.

A New Hallelujah is not a fancy DVD with spectacular effects, but rather a nice overview that imparts the experience of having “been there” at this worship event. The blue-eyed Smith, remarkably fit in his 5th decade and looking a little like Pat Boone‘s long lost son, wears the same simple blue shirt and jacket throughout the concert. Smith appears to eschew “stardom.” Like the DVD, like the concert/worship experience, like the songs he writes and sings, Smith seems content to let God be the audience and the music be the star of the show. And that’s enough for 90 minutes of inspiration and entertainment.


Been a fan of michael for a long time through out is career and would have to say
the cd and dvd is a must for fans and personally one of my best that he has done




LATELY
Christian Music News - CMSpin

Following a successful run in 12 European countries over the summer, GRAMMY® award-winning and multi-Platinum selling artist Michael W. Smith will bring his “New Hallelujah World Tour” to the U.S. this fall. Traveling to major markets across the nation in October and November, the tour will feature some very special guests including renowned artist/worshipper Matt Maher, “American Idol” alum Phil Stacey and new artist/worship leader Meredith Andrews.

“The ‘New Hallelujah World Tour’ has taken us all over the U.S., Canada and Europe,” Smith says. “This last leg will bring us back to the States and I’m excited about the artists traveling with me. Matt Maher, Phil Stacey and Meredith Andrews are all artists whose music I really enjoy personally, but they’re also artists I respect because they each have something special to share. I’m thrilled to be sharing the stage with them.”

Kicking off Oct. 22, in Orlando, Fla., the “New Hallelujah World Tour” will introduce a new element to the U.S. tour dates by adding local voices from the community. Each concert will feature a mass community choir comprised of local vocalists and choir members from multiple churches throughout the surrounding area. The choirs will join Smith as he performs classic fan favorites as well as music from his award-winning album A New Hallelujah (10/28/2008) and A New Hallelujah – The Live Worship DVD (3/17/2009).

The “New Hallelujah World Tour” will be sponsored PraiseHymn.com. A pioneer in the accompaniment track industry, Praise Hymn Tracks was introduced in 1988 and now celebrates two decades of providing music to accompany millions of hymn and contemporary worship singers. The company recently unveiled the new PraiseHymn.com website, a comprehensive source of music and interaction for singers. The site offers Praise Hymn’s catalog of nearly 5,000 Christian titles – from out-of-print songs to the latest radio hits – both via download and physical product shipping. It also serves as a multi-faceted interactive experience for vocalists both casual and professional. And, consistent with past tours, this fall segment will also focus on Smith’s long-time ministry partner Compassion International (www.compassion.com).

It’s been a busy year for Smith, who kicked off 2009 co-headlining the highly-successful “United Tour” with friend and fellow artist Steven Curtis Chapman. In April, Smith’s A New Hallelujah album won the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Award for Praise & Worship Album of the Year and Inspirational Song of the Year (title track). The summer brought the European leg of the “New Hallelujah World Tour,” and Smith has since been performing at a number of high-profile events across the country. Most recently he has been a featured performer at all eight of Sean Hannity’s “2009 Freedom Concerts,” which have also featured Billy Ray Cyrus, Charlie Daniels, Lee Greenwood and Oliver North.

Matt Maher joins the tour each night as musical host of the concert’s first half, and in support of his brand new sophomore release Alive Again (Sept. 22), on Essential Records. The 12-song album, produced by Christopher Stevens (Delirious, tobyMac) and Paul Moak (Mat Kearney, CompassionArt), features Maher’s addictive organic-pop sound. Audiences will know him best for his breakout composition “Your Grace Is Enough,” which has become a worship standard in Sunday morning church services worldwide.

Billboard magazine hailed Meredith Andrews as one of 2008’s “Faces to Watch,” when she released her debut worship project, The Invitation, on Word Records last year. The album featured the hit single “You’re Not Alone,” which vaulted to No. 1 on R&R’s Inspirational Chart and became a Top 5 hit on the Christian AC Chart. The album also garnered two 2009 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards for Worship Song of the Year and Praise & Worship Album of the Year. Andrews is sure to wow audiences with her soaring vocals as she performs some of the self-penned selections from her debut release.

“American Idol” Season 6 Top 5 finalist Phil Stacey recently finished recording his new 11-track album Into the Light (Aug. 25), which showcases his acclaimed power vocals and songwriting chops. Produced by Brown Bannister (Amy Grant, Mandisa, Steven Curtis Chapman), Into the Light artfully taps Stacey’s longtime love for the church and is his first modern pop offering on Reunion Records.


feel free to write your comments on the cd and Dvd and his latest project

Diana Ross Review at Atlantic City (2010)

Concert Review: Diana Ross shows A.C. she still has star power


By REGINA SCHAFFER For The Press | Posted: Saturday, May 22, 2010

Diana Ross performs live on stage of the Circus Maximus Theater in Caesars Atlantic City Friday night.



ATLANTIC CITY — The diva’s still got it.

The voice. The “diva-tude.” That over-the-top puff of hair. With Diana Ross, what you see is what you get.

On Friday night, what the fans got was a flawless performance from a diva who could teach some other artists how it’s really done.

Ross, headlining her “More Today Than Yesterday” greatest-hits tour, performed for a sold-out crowd at the Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars Atlantic City.

Her performance, complete with five costume changes, was a nonstop party of hit after hit, with Ross hitting every note.

“The good old days,” Ross told the crowd before beginning her classic Motown hit “Reflections” ... “we’re going back — memories.”

That, save for a few thank-yous, was pretty much it for the crowd banter. Ross stuck to her setlist, simply smiling at the end of each hit and motioning to her 15-piece band. But considering the singer is belting out tunes that are some four decades old, Ross’ enthusiasm — though arguably a bit forced at times — was impressive.

As was her attitude. A fan who was a little late getting to the show — and blocking the view of others as he tried to find a seat — got the diva treatment for daring to mess with Ross’ show.

“Wait, wait, wait ... stop the music,” Ross told her band, which slowly faded to a stop with “Can’t Hurry Love.”

“You can’t just walk in front of people like that,” Ross said. “Even in New York, you don’t just walk down like that. You wait until intermission.”

The man sheepishly sat down — and the crowd went wild. Ross signaled to the band to resume the song.

From there, it was hit after hit. Ross launched into “Stop! In The Name of Love,” “Keep Me Hangin’ On” and “Love Child” ... and, after a costume change that included a jacket of fluffy red feathers, her classic “I’m Comin’ Out.”

At 66, Ross is still every bit the star she was in the heydey of the Supremes. On Friday night, she proved it all over again.

Amy Grant Review

About Amy Grant

If you want to know Amy Grant's story, all you really have to do is listen to her songs. From the first time she picked up a guitar as a teenager and sang for her school friends, to the albums she's recorded that have racked up multiplatinum awards, Amy's always found a musical way to share her life. And in the process, she's not only become an icon in Christian music (and could, in fact, be credited with launching the genre) but also one of the most celebrated artists in pop music today.

Music was always a part of Amy Grant's life. She can still recall the thrill of a cappella singing at her family's Church of Christ services and later, as a teenager, discovering a freer musical expression with the young people in her school and church. In fact, one of Grant's first performances was at a chapel service for her fellow students. The event was pivotal for Amy -- it unveiled not only a musical talent, but a true gift of connecting with her peers. From that day on, Amy Grant was marked as an artist, a role model, a kindred spirit and a seeker. Through the next 25 years none of those titles ever faded away.

Although Amy Grant is truly a daughter of Nashville, she was actually born in Augusta, Georgia in 1960 during her father's doctor's residency there. Amy was still a baby when the family returned to Nashville. The youngest of four daughters, Amy and her sisters (Mimi, Kathy and Carol) grew up in a home of privilege, strong family loyalty and fervent religious faith. In church she learned the hymns and stories that would inspire both her life and her music. During her years at Nashville's most prestigious private schools, those inspirations found a home and an outlet as Amy began dabbling with songwriting and performing.




A Star Is "Discovered"
Like a Hollywood story, Amy's break into music came while she worked part-time sweeping floors and demagnetizing tapes in a Nashville studio. Her friend, producer Brown Bannister, allowed her to use the studio to duplicate a tape of her original songs that she wanted to give to her family. A Word Records company producer heard the music and, charged with finding new talent in Nashville, felt he had just "found it" and played the tape over the phone for his company executives. The seventeen-year-old was signed almost immediately.

Amy's first album, the aptly named, AMY GRANT, introduced the world to a fresh-faced and fresh-voiced young woman with a contagious faith and engaging spirit. Contemporary Christian music was still an undefined amalgam of gospel music, church hymns and the more provocative Jesus Music movement, but somehow this new foray that seemed to combine all three elements found a quick home. AMY GRANT the album, was a hit. And so was the woman who recorded it. Amy soon found herself traveling and singing across the country in churches, festivals, camps and schools. More albums followed in her burgeoning new musical career. FATHER'S EYES in 1979, introduced her to Gary Chapman, the title cut's songwriter and soon her opening act on tour for the following album, NEVER ALONE. Gary and Amy married in 1982. Two live albums (the second recorded with popular gospel rockers Degarmo and Key as her backup band) pushed Amy's musical envelope from her folky, singer-songwriter style into an edgier pop/rock category. It didn't matter to listeners. Christian music was growing. Amy Grant was the leader and fans were following every step of the way.Setting a New Standard
The year 1982 saw the release of what was to become Amy's signature album, AGE TO AGE. Record company execs stepped up the production and marketing of both the album and the artist, and the investment paid off. AGE TO AGE won Amy her first Dove Awards including Contemporary album of the Year and Artist of the Year, plus a Grammy win for Best Gospel Performance. Age To Age was the album that brought the songs "Sing Your Praise to the Lord," and "El Shaddai" to the modern church's hymnbook and sent Amy Grant on her most ambitious tour yet. The album's success led to the quick turnaround follow-up album, STRAIGHT AHEAD, which brought more sales records, radio #1's and Dove and Grammy wins, including a performance of the album's hit, "Angels" on the Grammy Awards national broadcast. It was a first for Christian music and for the Grammys, and certainly not the last time Amy Grant made news and made noise.In 1985, Christian music was a formidable force, but still a world within itself. Enter Amy Grant and a new concept, sort of: crossing over. Some early Jesus Music folks had tried to take their music to the broader mainstream world. In truth, most of them had begun in mainstream music and used that platform to introduce their faith-based music. Amy Grant was different. She was firmly entrenched in the gospel world and was ready to take her message to the outside world. UNGUARDED was the vehicle for that dream--an album made with "crossing over" definitely in mind. It also marked the beginnings of tension between those who thought crossing over was tantamount to "selling out the gospel" and Amy's desire to share her heart, her music and her faith in any arena that would listen--even if that meant pop stardom.

Breaking More Ground
And that's exactly what it did mean. UNGUARDED opened doors that Christian musicians could only dream about before. Her first single, "Find a Way," found its way onto mainstream radio and even birthed a video for MTV. The album charted in Billboard and Amy made her way through the maze of national publicity opportunities, including morning television talk shows, late night talk shows, afternoon entertainment shows and a host of specials, including her own CBS Christmas outing.







In her personal life, Amy became a mother with the birth of Matthew Garrison in 1987, while recording her next album, LEAD ME ON. The album passionately reflected the new turns her life had taken. Its unmistakable folk leanings and stark vulnerability of lyric marked it as a decided departure from UNGUARDED, yet the album seemed a very natural progression for this always surprising and innovative artist. In fact, it became Amy Grant's most critically acclaimed album. Her ever-present vulnerability, both in her music and her life, seemed even more poignant and her new maturity as she began the adventure of motherhood permeated the songs.

Two years later, Amy welcomed Gloria Mills ("Millie"), her first daughter and the inspiration for what was to become Amy's trademark and breakthrough song, "Baby, Baby." Recorded for HEART IN MOTION, the now multiplatinum album that made Amy a mainstream pop star, "Baby, Baby" was the first "Christian" music song to reach the coveted number one spot on Billboard's chart. A video for the song that celebrated the romantic over the motherly translation of the tune landed lauds from the MTV crowd, but controversy from some of Amy's older fans, who again saw her courting of a mainstream audience as a sell-out of her faith. Nothing could have been farther from the truth, but Amy didn't let the criticism rule her. As her celebrity grew, so did the opportunities. As Christian music's most well-known export, Amy became an ambassador for the faith and for the musical tradition that celebrated it. Amy Grant put Christian music on the map and was having no trouble keeping it there.







Two years after the birth of her second daughter, Sarah Cannon (named for beloved Grand Old Opry star and Grant family friend, Minnie Pearl), Amy's 14th album, HOUSE OF LOVE released. The album included the hit title cut duet with country superstar Vince Gill. Although not the multiplatinum blockbuster of its predecessor, the album hit double platinum and continued the trail that HEART IN MOTION blazed. Lighthearted love songs mingled with straightforward songs of devotion to God in a pure pop package proved again to be a winning combination.Life's Hardest Stretch
Three years later, life became very different for Amy Grant. Her 15th album, BEHIND THE EYES, released to critical acclaim, but lacked the upbeat quality of previous releases. Fans noticed and critics noted the "darker side" of Amy Grant and her music and soon the news of an impending divorce brought context to the brooding lyrics and music. The album very much showcased the natural ease with which Amy always poured her life into her songs, but for many the news of her divorce superseded any artistic catharses and led to rumors, speculations and chastisements. Amy weathered the storm, taking time to sort through the changes and recharge her family and musical callings. Amy did not enter the studio or hit the road again for two years.

Becoming a Holiday Tradition
They say the third time's the charm, but for Amy Grant, the release of her third collection of Christmas music, CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER, in 1999 was really just the continuation of an already grand tradition. Amy first stepped into the seasonal spotlight back in 1983 with the release of A Christmas album, a holiday offering that birthed her now classic and signature song, "TENNESSEE CHRISTMAS." Seven years later, Amy did it again with HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, a Yuletide ride that put another classic into everyone's holiday repertoire: the haunting and elegant "Breath of Heaven." Back in 1993, with two holiday albums under her belt, it seemed only natural to take the magic on stage. That year Amy, together with her hometown Nashville Symphony, started what became an annual tradition--Amy Grant's TENNESSEE CHRISTMAS--a live concert event filled with music, nostalgia, friends and the spirit of the season. To date, the annual tour has raised millions for many of the countless charities Amy supports.

It was also in 1999 that Amy tapped into her other talents and took a turn at television. She not only hosted her own prime-time network television Christmas special, Christmas to Remember, but she starred in the made-for-TV movie, A Song from the Heart. In the movie Amy played a blind music teacher searching for and finding love and meaning. In her own life, Amy did the same. In March of 2000 Amy Grant married Vince Gill, and a year later the family grew with the welcome addition of daughter Corrina Grant Gill.Celebrating The Journey
Today Amy is happily settled into another round of motherhood and celebrating the comforts of home and family. Approaching the anniversary marking her 25th year in the business of making music, Amy Grant has finally come full circle. A 2002 release, LEGACY HYMNS & FAITH, brings Amy both in her music and her faith back to her roots. A collection of favorite hymns (and some newly penned tunes) provides a nostalgic look back at the songs that, as Amy recalls, truly shaped the woman she is today and the truths she holds in her heart. Produced by long time friend and producer Brown Bannister, together with Vince Gill, the music is a comfortable mix of Americana, folk, bluegrass and gospel. Critics might call this musical move a departure for Amy, but in reality, it's a returning. Amy Grant is home again. And happy. And it is these songs that have provided the soundtrack for her life all along its journey.








Amy’s much-anticipated 2003 release, “Simple Things” was three full years in the making. Was it worth the wait? You bet. Emotional, honest songs, glistening productions, arrangements that sweep through fields of strings and settle into a nest of solo acoustic guitar—every detail of her seventeenth album exceeds the her standards, which are as high as standards come in this business.







Which brings Simple Things into full circle. From the personal to the global, from the playfulness of "Happy" through the impassioned duet shared by Amy and Vince on "Beautiful," Simple Things is perhaps the most intimate glimpse ever offered into her heart. With tracks brilliantly produced by Keith Thomas, Brown Banister and Wayne Kirkpatrick, this music seems to rush through storms and sunlight before coming to rest in "After the Fire," a summary of all that we've experienced on our own and heard on this disc—simple, soft, and quietly triumphant.

In the fall of 2004, the first “best of” collection from Amy to span her pop career, Greatest Hits 1986-2004 (A&M/UTV/UMe), was released featuring two new recordings, “Come Be With Me,” featuring Keb’ Mo’ and co-written by Beth Nielsen Chapman (Faith Hill’s “This Kiss”), and “The Water,” co-written by Grant and with husband Vince Gill on electric guitar.

Following on the heels of the GOLD certification of "Legacy...Hymns and Faith," Amy again released in May of 2005 a CD of hymns, “Rock of Ages.” The new recording contained several classic hymns such as, “Sweet Will of God,” “Abide With Me,” “Joyful, Joyful,” “I Surrender All,” as well as the title track, “Rock of Ages,” which is a duet with Vince Gill.

Today following 25 years of sharing her music around the world, Amy hosts her first primetime network television series “Three Wishes” on NBC. Wishes come true in the series providing the hopes and dreams of deserving people in towns all across America.

It seems a lifetime ago that a young Nashville girl picked up her guitar and her heart and decided she had something to say to the world. Today Amy Grant would tell you she never meant to leave a legacy, she was just doing what she loved. But those who have been touched by her and her music know differently. Amy Grant knows how to capture a heart. She's been sharing her life, her music and her faith for decades--and somehow, through that amazingly graceful and vulnerable spirit she's caught up thousands in her circle. And that's been the story of Amy Grant's life.


2008
interview with amy grant

Amy Grant's Advice to Young Stars: 'Stay Out of the Limelight'
The Christian music superstar says she made mistakes when she was younger--they just weren't shown on YouTube.






It may be hard to believe, but Grammy Award-winning music star Amy Grant is celebrating her 30th year of making music. Although some may know her best for her crossover '90s radio hits "Baby Baby" or "Heart in Motion" or her short-lived TV career hosting the reality show "Three Wishes," for most fans she is simply the Queen of Christian Pop. She recently published a collection of poetry, memories, song lyrics, and photos entitled, "Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far" as well as a compilation of her biggest songs, "Amy Grant: Greatest Hits." She also appears on Ann Murray's new album, "Duets: Friends & Legends," along with Carole King, Nelly Furtado, Shania Twain, and many other top female artists.

Grant, whose beauty seems to strengthen with age, sat down with Beliefnet to talk about her marriage to country singer Vince Gill, advice for today's female celebrities, battling depression, and her Christian faith. Watch video of the interview or read a longer version below.
In today's day and age, high profile couples don't seem to last long. How do you and Vince keep your marriage strong?

Vince and I both work hard. But what matters to us is being home and spending time together. We're not out chasing the places to see and be seen. The way that we protect our relationship is to communicate. That's the most important thing. And to try to not let very many days go by—hopefully not a day go by, but at least not more than a couple of days—without really talking. "How do you feel? What's going on?" When you're married, you start a good visit and that really can lead to great romance. That's the way that you connect with somebody—we talk and enjoy that friendship and that relationship. It keeps you [both] strong.

You handled success well when you began your career—much differently than a lot of today's young, troubled female celebrities. If you could sit down with some of these girls and give them advice, what would you say?

I'd say, "Stay out of the limelight." I mean, trust me, I had my own troubles. But it was a different time then. There wasn't YouTube. There wasn't some mistake that was played over and over and over again. I made mistakes and I made bad choices, but I was protected by people who weren't using my celebrity status.

Even bad news is good news. I feel protective of young women who are celebrities today because somebody makes a decision, and then the whole world discusses it and it's a top story on the news. And I want to go, "Would you do that to your child, Mr. Anchorman? Would you want the whole world discussing your young 20-something when they screwed up?" Because we all did it. Who has not made a bad decision?

So I wish I could provide each one anonymity. And just [tell them to] take a deep breath, try to surround yourself with people who you trust, and surround yourself with people who make good decisions.
Is it wise for us to celebrate these young celebrities as much as we do? We want to know all about them and then the media covers them—and their public troubles. Isn't it sort of a vicious cycle?

I know. It's a weird cycle because we all have way too much access to each other. But I don't think you can live any life at all and not have some understanding that life is a journey.

I was coming up right when Madonna did. Of course, I sang in churches and she was really pushing the envelope as far as being a young woman in her sexuality. But we were coming up side by side. I got so sick of people asking me how I felt about Madonna's decisions. Even as a young women, in my 20s, I would say, "From what I understand, we're all on a journey. And she may or may not look back on this as a great time in her life. But, in 30 years, she's not going to be the same woman. I'm not going to be the same woman." But that was a sheltered time.

It's strange—I mean, here I am doing an interview that's going to be on the computer, but I think we're all better to turn off the technology and turn off the TV and turn off our cell phones and, instead of watching other people live their lives, live our own lives.

Get outside. Watch the sunrise. Watch the sunset. How does that make you feel? Does it make you feel big or tiny? Because there's something good about feeling both. I think the more that we think we're in touch with everybody and everything, on some very basic level, we're becoming so disconnected from our humanity. And I think that that will run its course, just like every cycle has run its course, and then it'll swing somewhere else.

Do you think that there's a home for wholesome, inspiring reality TV?

TV is part of the American way of life. And from the short run I had doing the show "Three Wishes," even before an episode was ever aired, everybody on the crew would come to work and say, "Whew! It feels so good to have a job that I don't feel guilty about." We're not humiliating anybody. It created such a great environment on the set.

I think there was a great place for a show like that. That one came and went because the network, I guess, believed in it and then didn't believe in it. But I personally got a lot of response from people walking through airports or even now—and it's been a couple of years [since it went off the air]—families will come up and say that they loved watching a program that inspired them to get involved.

What's your weirdest memory being a Christian recording artist?

I'm married to a performer. He's in country music. He spent all of his teenage years singing in bars across America and finally made it to a big stage. I started my teenage years singing in churches across America, and finally wound up on a big stage.

We talk about it now and realize we were singing to all the same people. Because at every point in our lives, we find ourselves either pursuing faith or running from it. And all of us are all those people.

What always feels weird, what makes anything weird, is when you walk into a situation and you realize there's another agenda at work there that you didn't know about.

When I was young, I would show up to sing at a church and the young pastor would pick me up and take me out to dinner and I'd think, "Oh, gosh, he hasn't had a date in five years. I'm paid to be here, so I've got to go have dinner with this guy." Or to go to a music business meeting, and you walk in and you think it's going to be a bunch of songwriters and it turns into an Amway sales pitch.

In the book you say that in many aspects of your life, you're "not a good follower." How do you free yourself up enough to follow your Christian faith?

Following when it has to do with faith, has everything to do with a relationship with Jesus. That's how we get to God. You're following nothing if you're not communicating with whoever you believe in. I feel like the older I get, the more I want to follow. When I was younger, I just thought that my plans were probably going to be more exciting than my parents' plans or the establishment. I sort of got by on being a little bit of a rebel.

I've seen a lot of life. I've traveled the world. I've met interesting people. I've had great food. I've had great sex. I've had great emotional experiences. I've had incredible art experiences. I've had incredible music experiences. And at some point, there is nothing new under the sun. The spiritual realm and the spiritual frontier is the one thing that is never, "Oh, yeah. Been there, done that."

The Bible says, "Deep calls to deep." And I feel like anybody that just gives a passing glance to faith and says, "Eh, I'm not really ready to go there yet," it's because they got all this other stuff to try. And they're going, "I think the answer is in all this other stuff." I think that it was a benefit for me to have so many doors opened so young, and to get to experience so many of the good things in life, because it made me realize that's not where the answer is.

In the book, you talk about battling depression off and on. What do you do to help yourself come out of a slump?

It's so funny what age is doing. I never thought getting older would be so great. But when it comes to depression, I have experienced less the older I've gotten. And I think part of it is, there are things that I know to look for in myself. I know winter time hits me like a ton of bricks.

My great-uncle told us when were kids, "If you're born into this family, you need to go take a brisk walk every day." He didn't know what endorphins were, but he knew that we battled that downward spiral. If I will make myself get some exercise, that always helps. And then, invest in somebody else. That's not hard when you're part of a family. Even if I'm feeling like a piece of wood, I'll wake up in the morning and I just think, "Somebody's got to put the bacon on. I will feel better about this moment if I do eggs on toast with a little melted cheese for the kids." It takes about four minutes to make breakfast for your children in the morning. You start doing little acts of getting beyond yourself. Sometimes it takes days or weeks. But you just learn there is a process to getting out of a slump.

Tiny little things that you have to do, responsibility that you can't slough off, is good when you battle depression—making lunch for your kids, or having to do laundry because nobody has clean underwear. Rather than grind your teeth over it, go, "Thank God I have got to do this little task that makes me move." And the more that [I'm] used to the rhythms of [my] own life, the more I realize, as bleak as this feels right this minute, it'll pass.

Where do you most often find God?

Either being outside or looking outside. If I can just see something that's not manmade.

There's a great window in my hotel room here [in New York City]. I wake up in the morning and I push the curtains back and just lean my face up against the glass and look at the water. You can just look up at the sky and the clouds, or look at a tree or look at a flower. Anything that's separate from human creation. If you just allow yourself to start appreciating it, you go, "This is beautiful. This compels me towards something—toward gratitude."

Tell us a bit about being the spokesperson for the “Spread the Sharing” campaign.

Spread the Sharing was launched by Country Crock. It's a brilliant campaign to get people to care about each other. You can log onto to spreadthesharing.com, and for every person that logs on and tells any storing about caring—it can be doing something for someone, giving over a parking space, sharing a smile—a meal is given to Second Harvest Food Bank of America.

What's one of the most inspirational stories you've heard on this campaign?

Well, I just love the very average [stories]. "I shared an umbrella at the track meet and had a conversation standing under the umbrella, which inspired me to share a bottle of water, which inspired me to…" There was one teenage girl and she said that she was in traffic and racing around and somebody cut in front of her and she had a negative reaction. Then she said, "I just shared a smile instead." Intentionally putting out kindness changes the world we’re in.

How do you personally celebrate the power of sharing?

I encourage sharing in myself. I'm the mother of a blended family of five. So whether or not I'm trying to be a good person, just to keep the peace you have to teach children to share. I think a life based on giving is a much more meaningful, rich life.

What are some of the challenges you have raising a blended family?
I think that in any family, the most important thing to try to do is to maintain respect for each other, respect in how you communicate. Sometimes with family, it's where you're the most comfortable that you don't put out very much effort. You let all of your dirty laundry out. "I had a bad day. I don't have to posture for any of you guys. You're going to get the barrage of how I felt today."

[Instead,] it really starts with the older people under the roof to raise the bar and be respectful. You cannot yell at your children and expect them to treat you with respect. That's really the challenge and the blessing of trying to invest good things in your family.


SOMEWHERE DOWN THE ROAD 2010

Amy Grant CD Review

(by John DeGroff)

Amy Grant's new project, "Somewhere Down The Road", could almost be called a compilation. It's loaded with a sort of "collection" of almost unrelated tunes. Of the album's 12 songs, six are new, 2 are previously unreleased, there's a new recording of "Arms Of Love", and the project is fleshed out with three of her better known story songs.

I remember being given a copy of Grant's very first album-on vinyl, no less. She was a teenager when it was released, but since then, she has gone on to sell more than 30 million albums, and take home 6 Grammys in the process.

At this point, she could easily keep dong danceable pop stuff along the lines of "Baby, Baby". Thankfully, "Somewhere Down The Road' doesn't do that. Grant takes a shot at revisiting some of her past work, and presents new material loaded with depth and intelligence, proving she's a true artist, and not just another chick singer (albeit a well known one.)

The album begins with the laid back "Better Than A Hallelujah". Written by Sarah Hart and Chapin Hartford, Grant says of it, "I've loved this song since I first hear it. The honesty and vulnerability of the lyric reminds me to pray..." It's one of the new tunes on the project, and is definitely a thoughtful lyric:

God loves a lullaby in a mother's tears in the dead of night

Better than a hallelujah sometimes

God loves a drunkard's cry, the soldier's plea not to let him die

Better than a hallelujah sometimes

(also)

Beautiful the mess we are, the honest cries of breaking hearts

A woman holding on for life, a dying man giving up the fight

Tears of shame for what's been done

The silence when the words won't come

Are better than a hallelujah sometimes

(produced by Dan Muckala)

This is followed by "Overnight", another new tune where Grant sings with her 17 year old daughter Sara Chapman. The tune itself is somewhat Beatlesesque in it's back tracks, and is very dynamic. Written by Natalie Hemby, Luke Larid, Audry Spillman and Grant, she says of the tune, "I've been trying for sometime to find a song to sing with my daughter Sara. At 17 and 49, she and I see life from different perspectives. What I appreciate about this song is its simple perspective: if the good stuff happened over night, you wouldn't understand the value of it."

One of the project's first real stand out tracks is "Every Road", written by Grant and Wayne Kirkpatrick, who also produced. This is probably the most radio-friendly track on the album, and definitely shows the "pop" side of Grant's music she's best known for. I really like the chorus on this one:

Every road that's traveled

Teaches something new

And every road that's narrow

Pushes us to choose

And I'd be lying if I said

I had not tried to leave a time or two

But every road that lead me

Leads me back to you.

"Unafraid", the next stand out track, is done acoustically, is very laid back, and Grant sings it in a very husky voice that almost doesn't sound like her. Another one written by Grant and Kirkpatrick, the song is a sort of coming of age tune about the power of love. It's the simplicity of presentation that makes it work. Some of the best lines are probably also the most personal for Grant:

My lovely mother is getting on in years

And the way her body's aging brings her girl to tears

The way she trembles with each effort she makes

She just says heaven's getting closer each day

(produced by Grant, Mike Brignardello and Greg Morrow)

If this song doesn't touch your heart....well, forget the doctor; have someone call the coroner on your behalf.

Another stand out track that's almost kind of unexpected is "Third World Woman", written by Grant and Chris Eaton. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you", is Grant's only comment on the song. Given the fact that at any moment in time, there's no shortage of tragic situations in the world...there but for the Grace of God go I. Personally, I feel this is the album's deepest lyric, simple but piercing.

"what if I were that mother staring from my TV

What if that were my brown eyed baby

Hungry as she could be

What if that were my family

What if that was my world

Waiting on water, waiting on a vaccine

Waiting on someone to bring me a bag of beans

Lord have mercy on me....

(...the last verse really hits home...)

I was born in Georgia where i could do as I pleased

And I cam get my hands on just about anything I might need

Who's that third world woman maybe she could be

Could be mother, could be daughter, could be sister to me

(produced by Ian Fitchuk and Justin Loucks)

The aforementioned previously unreleased tracks are "What Is The Chance of That", a good country rock type tune written in 1996, and "Come Into My World", also from '96, presented acoustically and laid back. The album's title track, "Somewhere Down The Road", from 1995, is one of the better produced tunes on the album and is presented with a gospel music feeling. Other tracks include "Hard Times", which has a great chorus; and "Find What You're Looking For", another of the more laid back tunes on the project.

Grant's updated version of "Arms Of Love", written by Grant, Michael W. Smith and Gary Chapman, is produced by hubby Vince Gill."It's been 30 years since I first sang 'Arms Of Love'," Grant said. "What a treat to rerecord it in my 50th years. A little lower, a little slower...and still true."

The album closes with a medley of "Imagine/Sing The Wondrous Love Of Jesus". This is a great way to close an album and the medley is probably the best produced moment on the project. The "I can only imagine" theme, segues into a very mellow "Sing The Wondrous Love...", done with piano and voice. Produced by Brown Banister, and Vince Gill, it has a beautiful ending.

In mentioning Brown Banister as a producer, I think it's relevant to point out that he is the first producer who Grant worked with at the beginning of her career. It says a lot for her as a person and as an artists that she has maintained relationships with people who were there when she started.

It's also interesting that of all the producers listed on this project (Dan Muckala, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Mike Brignardello, Greg Morrow, Ian Fitchuck, Justin Loucks, along with Bannister, Gill, and Grant herself), there is a continuity that's practically seamless in recording quality, song quality and overall enjoyment and listenability.

Amy Grant's "Somewhere Down The Road" can stand along side anything else she's ever released, and in some ways the album surpasses her hits because of it's moments of simplicity and sincerity. Any Grant definitely knows who she is as a person, as an artist, and as a Christian.

Diana Ross still Remembers her Supremes years

Diana Ross still reigns supreme
By Lauren Carter / Music Review: Diana Ross
and more Reviews
Sunday, May 16, 2010


E-mail Print (11) Comments Text size Share Buzz up!Eat your heart out, Beyonce and company.

Diana Ross is the original diva, and last night at the Wang Theatre she had the big show, the big band and the big hair, but seemingly not the big ego. If anything, she didn’t give herself enough credit.

Ross’ publicity handlers tried to block reviews of the show - the opening night on her “More Today Than Yesterday” tour - dubbing it a “warm-up” date.

Sorry folks, but Diana Ross doesn’t need a warm-up.

Ross called the performance an “evening of memories,” and she delivered on that promise, rolling out the biggest hits from her solo career and her tenure with The Supremes along with a few covers, including the Spiral Starecase’s “More Today than Yesterday,” for which her tour is named.

Her chats with the crowd were brief and appropriate. She may fit the diva archetype, but she doesn’t have the annoying self-absorption requisite to so many divas. She didn’t drone on about the minutiae of her life, her body of work or how important she is. She didn’t need to; the songs spoke for themselves.

Other diva must-haves were firmly in place, however. The brightly lit stage was multi-tiered with curving staircases. Her performance included multiple wardrobe changes featuring one massive, glittery gown after another, each more fabulous than the last.

The not-quite-sold-out crowd responded to the spectacle like teenagers at a dance party. Middle-aged men stood and flailed their arms in the air, and women pumped their fists like supporters at a campaign rally.

To start the 90-plus minute show, Ross rose up out of the floor in a floor-length, fluorescent green jacket. Consider the warm-up completed.

Although her vocals were slightly drowned out by her 15-piece band - which included string and horn sections - during the rollicking opener “The Boss,” her tone was spot-on from the first note.

The volume issues didn’t last long and were corrected by the third song, “Reflections,” which touched off a lengthy barrage of hits from The Supremes era, including “You Can’t Hurry Love,” “Come See About Me” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.”

Ross, now 66, has a body of work that boasts massive hits, multiple awards, multiplatinum sales and songs that helped to define major movements in music, from Motown to disco.

Fans enjoyed all facets of her career last night, from the sass of “I’m Coming Out,” “Upside Down” and the funky, dynamic “Mirror, Mirror” to the tender balladry of “Touch Me in the Morning” and “Endless Love.”

By the time her snippet of “Love Hangover” surfaced mid-set, Ross was loose and clearly having fun, her voice smooth and smoky.

A high-energy “Ease on Down the Road” gave way to a jazzy lounge segment, which included a saxophone-laced cover of “The Look of Love” and the sultry “Don’t Explain.”

Diana Ross was close friends with Michael Jackson and closed her show with a tribute to the late singer. Ross sang “Missing You’’ and his hit “You Are Not Alone.”



When Gloria Gaynor’s ultimate survivor anthem “I Will Survive,” rolled around, it seemed highly personal to Ross - as much about withstanding the test of time as moving past a breakup.

TOUR DATES FOR 2010 MORE COULD COME

May 15 - Boston, Mass. - Citi Performing Arts Center
May 16 - Mashantucket, Conn. - MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods
May 18 - Red Bank, New Jersey - Count Basie Theatre
May 19 - New York City - Radio City

May 21 - Atlantic City, New Jersey - Caesars Atlantic City
May 25 - Bethesda, Maryland - Music Center at Strathmore
May 27 - Chicago, Ill. - Chicago Theatre
May 28 - Cleveland, Ohio - State Theatre
May 29 - Detroit, Mich. - Fox Theatre
May 31 - Toronto, Ontario - Roy Thomson Hall
June 2 - Knoxville, Tenn. - Tennessee Theatre
June 4 - Atlanta, Ga. - Chastain Park Ampitheatre
June 5 - Memphis, Tenn. - Live At The Garden

June 6 - St. Louis, Missouri - Fox Theatre
June 9 - Los Angeles - Nokia Theatre
June 11 - San Diego, Calif. - Humphrey’s
June 12 - Saratoga, Calif. - The Mountain Winery

LIFEHOUSE( REVIEW 2010)

Track Listings
Disc: 1
1. All In
2. Nerve Damage
3. Had Enough
4. Halfway Gone
5. It Is What It Is
6. From Where You Are
7. Smoke & Mirrors
8. Falling In
9. Wrecking Ball
10. Here Tomorrow Gone Today


Disc: 2 1. All That I'm Asking For 2. Crash and Burn 3. Everything (Live in Studio) 4. Near Life Experience

This review is from: Smoke & Mirrors (Audio CD)
There's some things I've realized over my years listening to music. Third Eye Blind will never top their debut album, neither will matchbox twenty, and the same can be said for Los Angeles Pop-Rockers Lifehouse. That being said, this latest effort comes closer than any of their prior releases have and is a tribute to the band's staying power that it is actually picking up steam ten years into its' history. This album by far has the most depth to it in comparison to previous releases "Who We Are," "Stanley Climbfall" and their 2005 self-titled effort. The album plays out as such:

1. All In- 9/10
Rhythmic verses build up nicely to an uptempo soaring chorus. This is a great way to start off the album, and is sure to be a great song to hear live.

2. Nerve Damage- 7/10
When I first heard the intro of this song, I thought I was listening to the Foo Fighters' "Pretender." This song builds up slightly, but is one of the weaker songs on the album because it really doesn't have a hook to pull you in.

3. Had Enough- 10/10
Surefire third single in my opinion. Great verses mixed with solid backing vocals build up to a very catchy chorus. This is a real toe tapper that will be another great song to hear live.

4. Halfway Gone- 8/10
After hearing all the other songs on this album, it's surprising that this was picked as the first single. The tune is catchy and uptempo enough, but it lacks the hooks of some of the other more catchy singles. Nonetheless, still a solid song that is doing great at radio right now.

5. It Is What It Is- 10/10
If possible, I'd give this song a 12. It's up there with "Broken" and "Simon" for me as one of my favorite Lifehouse songs. Different in many ways than any other Lifehouse song (a digital style beat to it similar to what you would hear in onerepublic's hit song "Apologize") and in others very similar (amazing lyrics and ridiculously catchy hooks), this is a standout that I would be completely shocked if it weren't released as a single. Relatable, catchy, emotional, Jason Wade is at his absolute best on this track. If you are thinking of downloading only one song on this album, this is the one!

6. From Where You Are- 9/10
Love this song, and at first was upset that it was taking up a spot on the new album as this track in its exact form has been available on iTunes for over a year, I'm feeling more and more that it fits in nicely and adds to the collection more than it detracts from it. A slow acoustic ballad that is filled with emotion, this track is an example of vintage Lifehouse.

7. Smoke & Mirrors- 7/10
Midtempo tune that has potential to grow on the listener. You can sense a slight country twang to this song during the verses.

8. Falling In- 9/10
An intro of just an acoustic guitar strumming and Jason Wade singing, this song builds into a solid midtempo tune with extremely catchy hooks. This is a pleasant love song that is simple and great all at once.

9. Wrecking Ball- 7/10
Don't get me wrong, I like Bryce's voice, but I don't like it as much as Jason's, so I'm still undecided on how I feel about this track, as it is Bryce's first go at handling lead vocals on a Lifehouse track. Maybe it's the song, maybe it's his voice, this song just doesn't connect as well as the others for me.

10. Here Tomorrow Gone Today- 6/10
Auto-tuned and digitized is not the world Lifehouse needs to be living in. While I give them props for trying something new, let's hope this midtempo digitized track is the last of its kind as this experiment is deemed a failure in this reviewer's opinion.

11. By Your Side- 9/10
Another solid midtempo ballad with beautiful lyrics and solid backing vocals.

12. In Your Skin- 8/10
Uptempo rock tune with rhythmic drum beats and catchy verses,

The Next 4 Tracks are on the Deluxe version only, but they are definitely worth upgrading.

13. All That I'm Asking For- 9/10
Should have replaced "Here Tomorrow Gone Today" on the main album on my album, this track is a must have for any Lifehouse fan. Beautiful midtempo ballad that is arranged perfectly with amazing background vocals and heartfelt lyrics.

14. Crash & Burn- 8/10
Another catchy midtempo number.

15. Everything (Live In Studio)- 8/10
Similar to the reproduced version of "Storm" off their last album, this isn't nearly as good as the original, but it is nice to know that Lifehouse hasn't forgotten about their fans' affinity for this amazing song.

16. Near Life Experience- 7/10
This song has a rather folksy, Bob Dylan type vibe to it. If you like that kind of music, you will enjoy this song, as it keeps a slow tempo and Jason Wade sings in a very Dylan-esque manner throughout the verses.

For those keeping track, that is 7 songs with a 9 rating or higher, something that definitely has not been the case for prior Lifehouse releases (check out my prior Lifehouse reviews if you want further proof). There are some misses, but they are more than made up for by the wide range of top tier tunes scattered throughout "Smoke & Mirrors." The future is bright for Lifehouse, and this album is sure to be spinning away at radio for years to come.


Lifehouse
Smoke & Mirrors
Release Date 2010 03 02
Label Geffen
Rating:

Smoke & Mirrors, the group’s fifth album, offers no drastic change in direction for Lifehouse. By and large, it’s tougher than its predecessor, Who We Are, but the bulk of it is still co-written and produced by that album’s producer, Jude Cole, who manages to coax out more melody from lead singer/songwriter Jason Wade. Smoke & Mirrors is ingratiating, its songs work their way into memory fitting the contours of modern rock radio


For the duration of Los Angeles-based Lifehouse’s ten-year career they’ve been delicately balancing two identities: radio-ready song craftsmen and raucous live rock and roll band. On their forthcoming fifth studio album, Smoke & Mirrors, the band finally unites these two personalities. “We toured for over a year before we started making this record,” says singer and guitarist Jason Wade. “With the new album we really wanted to capture what we were doing on the road but halfway through recording, it was apparent we hadn’t focused enough on the equally important radio side. It finally dawned on us to just do both.”




Still in their twenties, the guys in Lifehouse have an impressive resume. Founding members Jason Wade and drummer Ricky Woolstenhulme Jr. met in Los Angeles and formed the band in the late 90s. Lifehouse released its smash debut No Name Face in 2000, which launched them to global stardom. Their breakout single “Hanging by a Moment” was the single most played radio track of 2001. Over the next few years – joined first by a replacement, bassist Bryce Soderberg and more recently by new member, guitarist Ben Carey Lifehouse built upon that initial success. Combined album sales are over 5 million and Lifehouse singles have sold over 3 million copies online including number one hits “Hanging By a Moment” and “You and Me.” Later Lifehouse singles “First Time,” “Whatever It Takes,” and “Broken” have also achieved major chart and sales success. From very early on, Lifehouse fans demonstrated a resilient loyalty to the band, so much so that several of the band’s hits still maintain chart positions on iTunes, years after their initial release. The band also has a formidable online presence their video streams are at 70 million and counting.




Lifehouse has always done well on radio, TV, and online, but just as impressive is their take-no-prisoners approach to touring. “We stayed out on the road for the last ten years,” Jason says. “Even through the hard times we played four to six shows a week. We refused to disappear (laughs)!” When Lifehouse’s fourth album Who We Are came out in the spring of 2007 it set the band on a near-relentless tour that should have pushed them to the brink of insanity. Instead, they hung out on days off and made the road a way of life. “We really love being on the road,” Ricky says. “We enjoy playing live, feeling that energy. And when we have time off we have a good time doing whatever. We go to basketball and love to eat! I’m like the camp counselor I track everything down and make all the plans. Even if they don’t want to go, they have to. I’m that guy.”




In the fall of 2008, when the band finally came off the road from supporting Who We Are, they were on a post-tour high and urgently wanted to bring that visceral live energy to the next album. So they got together with Jude Cole, the producer of Who We Are, and began working on new material both at Cole’s Ironworks Studio and at Jason’s recently built home studio, Castle View. But instead of putting themselves on their usual strict schedule, the band decided to take their time with this record. As a result, it was a real creative journey. “We knew we were in a good place where we could afford to stay off the road and keep the crew employed and happy, and basically just develop the band a little bit go in a few different directions,” Bryce explains. “We experimented with Americana, classic rock, pop we tried a bunch of different styles, really growing even further as a band.”




Lifehouse ended up spending a year recording upwards of thirty-five tracks before settling on the twelve songs that make up Smoke & Mirrors (many of the rest will be included on a deluxe edition). The record is loosely split between rock tracks meant to capture the feel of seeing Lifehouse live, and extremely catchy, sing-along pop songs. “That’s where the title of the album comes in,” Jason explains. “It’s about the record being half live and half studio.” The first single, “Halfway Gone,” a collaboration with acclaimed rapper/songwriter Kevin Rudolf is most definitely in the latter camp. It’s an irresistible pop rock song featuring explosive, driving guitars and a chorus that feels instantly familiar. “Kevin brings another side a hint of the hip hop world but in context with what we’re doing,” Jason says. “We were fans of his and he was a fan of ours and it just clicked. What resulted was a nice blend of older Lifehouse with a new fresh sound we can’t make the same record over and over.” Lifehouse fans approve of the evolution; “Halfway Gone” is already the fastest growing single in the band’s history, reaching the top twenty within three weeks of its release. Rudolf also worked on “Falling In,” another potential pop hit.




Rudolf was not the only high profile collaboration on Smoke & Mirrors. The band also worked with American Idol alum Chris Daughtry, whom Jason met and became friends with on the road. “I haven’t done much co-writing in the past and I’m a bit leery of it,” the singer admits. “You can end up with a song that is not good and just wish you had that day of your life back (laughs) however, I went over to Chris’s place in LA and within an hour we had ‘Had Enough.’” The song, to which Daughtry contributes vocals and Richard Marx also co-wrote, is a blistering, anthemic example of the kind of music that made Lifehouse fans fall in love with the band in the first place.




The band will deliver an actual, real live take on these songs very soon they hit the road in support of Smoke & Mirrors early next year. According to Lifehouse, it feels like they’re doing this all again for the first time they are inspired and excited about getting out there and playing these songs live. “It’s our fifth album but I feel like we’re just starting as a band,” explains Bryce. “As far as our chemistry goes, we just really know each other now. We know what pisses each other off and how to avoid it. We keep each other level headed, we vent to each other. We leave our egos at the bus door. We’re good to go.”



PS as a fan of Lifehouse Some of my favorite music was broken , Storm , Hanging by the moment and the song on Smoke and Mirrors disc 2 a song called Everything
all have a spiritual look at life just like Amy Grant the group Lifehouse will surely know who they are serving that is Jesus Christ .