Amy Grant Album: “Straight Ahead”

This was the first Amy Grant album I ever listened to and, I think, still the best. All of the songs were enjoyable and theologically deep. She sang like one who believed in what she was singing and the messages behind the songs were a true blessing to everyone who heard. And they still are today.

I have two personal favorites on here. One is "The Now and the Not Yet" (written by Pam Mark Hall), about the waiting period we are now in while we anxiously await being with Christ for all eternity. The song echoes Paul's lament from I Corinthians 13. "Now we see in a mirror dimly...then we shall see face to face...Now we know in part...Then we shall know fully." (I'm paraphrasing here since I don't have the Bible open in front of me.)

My other favorite song is "Doubly Good To You" (written by the late, great Rich Mullins). This song is perfect for when you've had a rough day. The lyrics are classic Rich Mullins:

When you look in the mirror at the end of a hard day

And you know in your heart you have not lied

If you gave love freely and you earned an honest wage

And if you've got Jesus by your side

You can thank the Father for the things that He has done

And thank Him for the things He's yet to do

And if you find a love that's tender

If you find someone who's true

Then thank the Lord

He's been doubly good to you!

This is a must have for Amy collectors. This is a very inspirational album. Every song is great. If you like Amy at her contemporary christian song best, then this is a great choice. If I remember correctly, this was the album that came out right before Unguarded. There is a definite difference between the two. I prefer Straight ahead, the next person might say Unguarded. This album has more sacred songs featured than Unguarded. You won't be disappointed in either.

My 3 yr. old daughter has a tender heart for knowing and following Jesus. She recently asked me where the angels were and what they did. After a mommy type explaination I sang her Amy Grant's Angels, and have been looking for it since. I was thrilled to find it online.

Amy Grant's follow-up to her classic 1982 album

, "Straight Ahead" has the misfortunate of following one of the greatest albums in Christian music history. That aside, "Straight Ahead" is a wonderful effort on its own merits, and also showcases Amy's continuing evolution from Christian to pop, albeit somewhat gradually. Noticeably more aggressive than "Age to Age," "Straight Ahead" is still lyrically in sync with the Contemporary Christian music of the day.

"Where Do You Hide Your Heart" is a prime example of Amy's growing departure from straightforward Christian pop, as it combines a mainstream synth pop feel with lighter but noticeable spiritual content. "Jehovah," one of my personal favorites, proves to Amy's audience that she has definitely not abandoned her core CCM audience, with its strong religious message and sing-a-long feel that makes it easily compatible with a Sunday morning church service. "Angels" fits just as well in that category, erasing all speculation why it was such a huge hit on Christian radio when the album was first release. The title track is somewhat ambiguous in its religious message, but is still an inspiring song and pleasant to listen to.

"Thy Word" is easily the star of the album. Co-written by Grant and Michael W. Smith, it simultaneously provides the simple message of God's protection for His children and a moving piano accompaniment that makes it hard for any subsequent track to top its moving content. "It's Not A Song," "Open Arms," and "Tomorrow," while still pleasant to listen to, may be the weakest songs on the album, but every good LP has filler tracks and this is no exception. Meanwhile, "Doubly Good To You" and "The Now And The Not Yet" are nice closers for the album, wrapping up a collective effort that truly shines God's word. In retrospect, "Straight Ahead" is a transition for Amy Grant from the pure religious "Age to Age" to the hopeful, harder-edged

, and this album shines beautifully in this effort, truly a gem for anyone who's a fan of Christian music.

From Jehova to Doubly good to You, this christian-pop diva makes us believe what she is saying. The all-American girl can sing in a hauntingly romantic way that she has carried through all of her albums to date.