Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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50 of 56 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I'm Blown Away!, May 14, 2005
Travel back a hundred years or so, step through the doors of a small-time, backwater, clapboard church, and you'll be caught up by the soulful sounds of Amy Grant's latest disc. From the opening track, Amy lays her heart on the line with nuanced vocals. Sinner, saint, martyr, or scapegoat...she has endured through the years, despite her flaws, by clinging to her faith. And this is nowhere more evident than in "Rock of Ages..."
Although I've never been a huge Grant fan (I bought this one for my wife), I could not help being touched by the raw truth and power in these songs. She imbues "I Surrender All" with a joyful willingness; she blends "Jesus Loves Me" and "They'll Know We are Christians" with lyrical and musical purpose; and she incorporates the straightforward simplicity of her father's voice in "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus." The selection of hymns and lyrics drawn from the 1800s and early 1900s is outstanding. The newer tunes are wonderfully woven into the album's tapestry. When Amy sings "Tell me Thy secret, help me bear/The strain of toil, the fret of care...O Master let me walk with Thee," we know she means every word.
For those who have stood beside her, for those who have struggled with her decisions, it is time to see her heart through the lenses of this album. While her wounds are real, her healing is God's daily miracle. Indeed, He is the "Rock of Ages." We can all find comfort in that.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Hymns With a Modern Touch, September 18, 2005
This is an enjoyable CD which takes some old hymns and gives them a modern touch. For the most part, the update is a country sound.
Amy Grant has a voice that is superb. She gave a very good performance on several of these songs. In particular, I like her versions of 'Rock of Ages', and 'Abide With Me'. She has a great sounding version of 'El Shaddai' on here, but of course this is not the only CD of hers where one could find that.
For those who enjoy a modern twist on old hymns, this is a worthwhile collection. I would also recommend the recent CDs by 'Passion' and 'Jars of Clay' which have also done that.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent ""Hymns and Faith" songs, August 14, 2005
The days of Amy Grant's mainstream success in the mid-90s with hits like "Lucky One" are far behind Amy. Instead of trying to refind that mainstream success, Amy instead returns again to her earlier Christian roots, with excellent results.
"Rock of Ages" (13 tracks, 45 min.) is an excellent sequel to 2002's "Legacy" album, again covering well known and not so well known old time hymns and religious material. The album's opener, "Anywhere With Jesus" is a delight, with a long instrumental intro that gives way to Amy's soaring vocals, just beautiful. There are many highlights on here, such as "Sweet Will of God", with the vocals-only intro, and "O Master, Let Me Walk With You", among others. Country superstar Vince Gill (Amy's husband) co-produced the album, with great results.
This album will not bring Amy renewed mainstream success, nor was it intended to (presumably), although it of course would be nice if this delicious collection sold millions. "Rock of Ages" proves that Christian music doesn't have to boring. This album is a delight from start to finish. Highly recommeded!
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by Amy Grant 
