Rock of Ages...Hymns & Faith

I first bought this CD back in 2005 when it came out. I gave it a few listens and then stuck it away. I decided to pull it out again and give it another listen. Now I remember why I had listened to it in four years.

Yes, part of the problem is me. I'm not a big hymns CD person. I'm not sure exactly why since I love hymns and have several CDs of them that I enjoy listening to when the mood strikes. This CD focuses in on some of the lesser known hymns. Yes, we've got "Rock of Ages" and "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus." But we also have "Sweet Will of God" and "Abide with Me." They just don't appeal to me as much as the songs I already know.

But then there's the style. I'm not a Country of Bluegrass fan, so you can imagine the problem when I put in the disc and immediately notice the twang of opening track "Anywhere with Jesus." It's even worse on "Rock of Ages" and "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus." Amy obviously let husband Vince Gill have free reign with the production, and that was a poor choice on her part.

Having said that, there are a couple tracks I do like. The slightly updated version of "El Shaddai" is beautiful, although it does through me off when she changes the wording slightly.

The best song here is the only original track, "Carry You." It's also one of the lesser Country selections. This Amy Grant original is a song of encouragement straight from God to those who are struggling. It was worth pulling the disc out again to rediscover.

Aside from that one song, however, there truly isn't much of interest here. Unless you absolutely must own every Amy Grant CD, feel free to skip this one.

This is an album of Christian music, primarily but not entirely focused on older hymns. The music is fairly mainstream country-rock. Grant's voice is very beautiful. All of the songs are very good. For me, the stand-outs are "Joyful, Joyful" a Christian hymn set to Beethoven's secular-pagan-messianic classic "Ode to Joy" from the 9th Symphony and "El Shaddai," an extremely simple and moving hymn to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

You know, I have to give the Glory to GOD in Jesus' name for HIS servant Amy - - I have been healed and inspired for twenty years because of her willingness to share the gifts and talents GOD gave her to impart HIS unconditional, unfailing, and never-ending love for each and every one of us. Her albums have kept me from losing faith altogether..many, many times. I praise GOD in Jesus' name for the beautiful music, flowing right through me....and for the knowledge that "anywhere with Jesus, I am not alone, anywhere with Jesus, I can safely go. Sweet WILL of GOD..Let me say once more..that I love YOU.

This album touchs all the spiritial feelings of ones soul. As I listen to this album, I can almost feel each song shift my emotions into a different gear. This is a great album to melt away the stresses of the day, while at the same time bringing an inner peace at the promise of tomorrow, by way of ones redemption in our renewal of faith. It is a beautifully produced album, and I am glad I have it in my collection. Re: the comments by "Christian Mom" It sounded kind of familiar. Almost like what a blacksmith would say when she would have an ax or two, too grind.

What a wonderful album. Simple inspirational songs by a great singer. The execution is very professional...a hallmark of Vince Gill albums.

This album gives Ms. Grant another chance to showcase her beautiful voice w/songs on traditional church hymns. We all know that she's great at singing pop...but some of us don't like pop that much! I've grown up w/many of these songs in church, it's so happy to hear Ms. Grant sing them. Thank you, Amy & Vince.