Home: A : Amy Grant : Review

Heart In Motion Review

Amy Grant's 1991 release "Heart in Motion" was truly her cross-over into mainstream. Although there still was some Christian Contemporary influence on this collection, this album was clearly designed to hit the mainstream. On this album Amy explores family, relationships, the trials or fhe working woman, and even touches the theme of sexual abuse. In the previous years, Amy had shown some signs of beginning this "cross-over" into the mainstream arena. Her previous album "Lead Me On" might have had a strong Christian Contemporary theme, but the music lent itself to be easily accepted into the mainstream community. During these previous years, Amy had not only commerical success within the Christian Contemporary realm, but also critical acclaim. With this "cross-over", Amy continues to build the momentum. "Heart in Motion" would be her best selling album. As for quality, Amy doesn't lose a beat - in fact, by "expanding" to other themes, Amy puts together what has to be 1991's strongest and best album of the year. She also does it without having to use vulgarity or sexual explicit themes.

I can look at Amy Grant's career as encompassing three main phases. The first phase covers 1977 through 1981 (her debut self-title album "Amy Grant" through the "In Concert Volume 2"). In this phase, Amy definitely showed her youthful side (her first album was released while she still was in high school). For the most part, Amy did some nice songs and was able to establish herself as a Contemporary Christian Artist. In Phase 2 (this would cover 1982-1988, starting with "Age to Age" and going to this album "Amy Grant - The Collection"), Amy ascended to legendary status in the Contemporary Christian music-world both commercially and criticially. This is where her husband to be Gary Chapman would begin to have an influence in her music. In this phase, Amy would show the most depth with her Christian music. When Phase 3 (1988 to present, starting with "Lead Me On" to present), Amy went into her full-fledged crossover into the mainstream (pop) music arena.

Amy's long-time producer Brown Bannister only produces four songs. The lion's share of the production will fall to Michael Omartian (5) and the remaining ones to Keith Thomas (2). Omartian is also the Executive Producer and plays a major role in defining the new sound for Amy. But credit still should be given to Bannister who still finds a way to make Amy's "cross-over" material work. On a side note, a staple throughout Amy's career is that she does some of the songwriting (either solo or collaborative) as well as uses songs by other songwriters. "Heart in Motion" stays consistent with this as Amy collaborates with several songwriters as well as uses third party songs ("You're Not Alone" is the only third party song).

Here is a song by song breakdown:

"Good for Me": This is a great song. It's a great "pick-me u" song. It deals with 2 polar opposites in a relationship and how the relationship works. Jerry McPherson who provided some awesome guitar work for "Lead Me On"'s "Waiting For the Healing" is back and just as awesome.

"Baby Baby": This was the most successful single. It was dedicated to (at the time) Amy's newborn daughter Millie. Some nice background vocals on this tune.

"Every Heartbeat": This is a Bannister produced tune and this is the best track on the album. Another "pick me up" song that deals with a relationship. This song is also highlighted by a horns section and once again some great background vocals.

"That's What Love is For": This is a ballad. I think this is the one weak track on the collection. I'm surprised it was one of the singles released.

"Ask Me": While the first four songs dealt with relationships, this song takes a strong change in direction and goes into the theme of sexual abuse of a child. In the liner notes, Amy puts a note encouraging all to get help if you dealt with this. Amy co-wrote this song with Tom Hemby. The result is a very powerful track.

"Galileo": Very underrated track. Amy discusses following dreams and uses Christopher Columbus, Benjamin Franklin and Galileo as analogies.

"You're Not Alone": Another very powerful track with an uplifting feel. Amy's vocals also are powerful. There is a good combination of keyboards and guitar on this track. This is probably the first track on this collection that has more of a Christian Contemporary feel to it.

"Hats": This is a song in which Amy describes the many "hats" as a mother, lover and working woman. This song is also highlighted by a horn arrangement and good background vocals.

"I Will Remember You": Great song, but also a song that is lyrically very different than she has done before. Amy reflects back on a romance in her past. My favorite line is "I'll be your champion and you will be mine". Thanks to her vocals, this is a song that Amy carries all by herself.

"How Can We See That Far": Another song that Amy reflects back on. This time the reflection seems to be on her (at the time) marriage to Gary Chapman. Amy does her own background vocals and they blend in beautifully.

"Hope Set High": This is the perfect wrap-up song. This is probably the most Christian Contemporary song on the collection. In this song Amy looks at her own spirtuality on the song. Although a very Christian Contemporary song, it is the type of song that easily fits mainstream.

All of the lyrics to all of the songs are included. In addition all production and musician credits are listed song by song. Amy does include some short written intro's (1 to 2 sentences) on the songs "Baby Baby", "Ask Me", and "Hope Set High". This is just one amazing album. It should satisfy you whether you are a Christian or a mainstream music fan. It's good music to listen to - highly recommended.

Review by: William Cooper