Ryan Jordan designed this pic...cool, huh?
|
Ryan Jordan designed this pic...cool, huh? |
Lyrics/Track List
Simple Things Debut's at #23 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Sales Charts
Photos from the filming of the Simple Things Video
|
Check out pictures from the soundcheck and concert, plus some live audio clips 
| 
|
For the first time anywhere, CMCentral is pleased to present an exclusive first look at Simple Things, the long-awaited new album from Amy Grant. Keep in mind that this is merely a preview based on first impressions, not a final review. Also, this is based on hearing a very early, unmastered copy of Simple Things, so some aspects of the album may change before it is released in August.
Make You Happy
Amy kicks things off with this upbeat tune that has more than a little Shania going on, but it's not over the top. The track is a romantic love song; she talks about being ready to "dig in" and go deeper in a relationship than just surface attraction. "I wanna rush to hold your hand / You know it makes me happy / I'm gonna love you best I can / 'Cause I know it makes you happy".
Eye to Eye
A song asking for reconciliation. "I'd like to figure out a way to leave a troubled past behind / To forget those angry words and wars we fought across the battle lines / 'Cause tomorrow we could find a road to peace for you and me / And our children in their innocence will follow what they see". Of course, it could be a general, metaphorical message applicable to anyone, but it's impossible to hear this song and wonder if she didn't write it to Gary Chapman. Musically, the song has a light rock/Michelle Branch kind of feel. Katy Hudson fans take note: she's listed as one of the background vocalists.
Simple Things
A bit of a departure, production-wise, from her most recent work. Lots of "scratch" effects and some electric guitar riffs are thrown into this pop song, about a desire to get back to the simple things that are easy to believe in, like "true love and the miracle of forgiveness." This one feels ready-made for mainstream radio.
Beautiful
Vince Gill duets on this song, which is one of only two tracks on the album that Grant did not have a hand in writing. The song is about the beauty of love, despite its enormous risks. It's summed up in this line: "How do you prepare when you love someone this way / To let them go a little more each day". A lovely ballad -- another strong radio contender.
Out In the Open
Grant's latest collaboration with longtime contributor Chris Eaton is a very God-focused song. She talks about all of the condemnation she's faced over the years, and how God is capable of offering forgiveness to anyone for anything, regardless of how the world treats us. It's another nice message that will probably be overshadowed by the honest allusions to her own life that she portrays with words like "For the sake of never making waves / I kept my secrets to myself... There's nothing in me dark enough / The power of forgiveness / Cannot rescue from the deep". A simple mid-tempo shuffle is accompanied by what sounds like a steel guitar, giving this one a slight pop/country feel.
I Don't Know Why
Wayne Kirkpatrick produced this track, having co-written it with Grant. The lyrics could be interpreted many ways, but my first impression is that the song is about the moment of decision, when things are uncertain and are about to change. The production has a slow, dreamy quality about it.
Looking For You
Though there are no "Baby, Baby"-sized pop songs on Simple Things, this is probably the most basic and most upbeat love song on the disc, making it a surefire radio contender. "I've been looking for you since I took my first breath / And I'll be loving you baby till I take my last".
Everything We Touch
This one wants to be an innocent little love song, but it could be seen by some listeners as a bit racy (even though it depicts romantic love between husband and wife). A simple, acoustic, jazzy mid-tempo soundtrack is accompanied by lyrics like: "Soul to soul eye to eye when all our colors run in to one / Till there's no dividing line / Between you and I... Love is an ocean love washes over / Over you and I as we drift on the sea of desire".
Innocence Lost
Another deeply honest song, which interestingly enough, was not written by Grant. And another simple acoustic melody. The strong spiritual message of the song, as the title suggests, talks about how sooner or later sin causes us all to lose our innocence.
After the Fire
Everything about this song comes straight from Amy Grant -- the music, the lyrics, even the lone acoustic guitar that accompanies it. Very eloquently talks about all of the "fire and ashes" that she's been through in her life and how weary it can make you, but she promises the nameless "you" that the song is written to that she will be there for them through all of life's turmoil.
Simple Things finally releases on August 19, 2003 (assuming they don't postpone it yet again). Was it worth the wait? Come back that same day for my complete review.