When I had heard that Amy was coming out with a new Hymns album, quite frankly, I thought it would be nice and all to listen to but put away like I have the first Hymns album....boy was I wrong. It seems Amy has reinvented herself yet again and I hear a new sound from her....not the pop diva you heard on Baby Baby or House of Love but a more bluesy/gospel sound which I really like. I'm really impressed with the hymns that she does. If there is one disappointment its how El Shaddai turned out. I really thought that song would get more of the gospel treatment but in actuality that sounds the most "pop". Also, two other songs are from older albums - Carry You which if you got the bonus CD from Target when Behind the Eyes came out and Helping Hand which is on a track as a medley with "Jesus Loves Me", and "They will Know we are Christians by Our Love". This is a must-have in my opinion for the hard-core Amy fan and for anyone who is looking for a different sounding hymns album.

Here in Belgium, nobody really knows of Amy Grant or her music, well maybe remember they the hit Baby Baby but they don't even know who the singer is, that's all. But among churches, Amy Grant's quite known. I've come to grow in my faith also thanks to her music.. Always true and profoundly talented to drive us trough life personal challenges during our walk with God. It's true, many people have been surprised when they heard of her recent divorce, I have also. But it's trough music that people may get to know her for who she really is, despite of all rumours that have been spread. Her music still ministers to my soul and helps me not to easily judge situations that I haven't lived myself. It's not about promoting Christian music or vanting the merits of an artist, it's just about life and how to grow from our mistakes. And Amy is concerned.

Let me start by saying I've been a huge Amy Grant fan since the early eighties, and her music has blessed me so much over the years. Having said that, and after having purchased Simple Things based on the positive reviews posted on this site, I was very dissapointed with this new CD. Most of the tunes are, in my opinion, rather bland, and I found myself skipping many of the tracks... there are some songs that I still haven't heard all the way through yet. There are two or three tunes on the CD that I like very much, but overall I don't think Simple Things is anywhere near one of her better efforts. Just my 2 cents worth.

Amy Grant has done a fantastic job on her long awaited "Simple Things". Listening to the cd is like a breath of fresh air and spring like. Amy does a great job on "Happy" and the upbeat title track. Fave tracks: "Happy", "Eye to Eye", "Simple Things", "Out in the Open" and "Looking for You".

Is it Pop? Folk? Country? A little rock maybe? There seems to be a good blend of various musical genres in Amy Grant's latest offering, "Simple Things." In it, you'll hear some of the best poppy elements a la Heart in Motion, e.g., Happy, Looking for You and the title track, but the introspective Amy also shines through quite prodigiously. "Out in the Open" is a cool glass of heavenly grace and "I Don't Know Why" recalls the 911 aftermath without resorting to sentimentality; there are no answers in the grim, but hopeful, present reality. Then there's "After the Fire," possibly the most poignant, honest song on the album; you get Amy, an acoustic guitar, and the faithful tenderness of the one who assures "I will be here for you." This album is not a severe departure by any means; its strength lies in the genuine display of a classy integrity and the growth of Amy Grant as artist and songwriter.

wow.. .a new amy grant record!! what a shock... to be honest.. i am a long time amy grant fan.. altho i am not a christian music fan, i have found myself strangely drawn to amy and her music.. her relevance in pop culture is undoubtable.. heart in motion did sell 5 million copies.. although lately she has found herself in a heap of scandal (keep in mind we are talking on a scale for a christian artist)hello... that said i must admit the new record is hit and miss as was her last record behind the eyes..(which contained one of amy's best.. like i love you).. standouts are happy.. eye to eye ( an obvious plea to her x..) and Looking for you (which should have been 1. the first single and 2. tied to a major motion picture... great soundtrack song).. the ballads are confessions of goin thru it..struggle..divorce.. second guesses.. and most importantly guilt... amy will always have a fan with me..regardless of her personal life.. will this record restore amy to prominance?.. unfortunately probably not.. although a comeback by her would be welcomed in a world of music with no conviction... sweet love came into my life..

I was pleasantly surprised to read in USA today that Amy Grant was releasing a new studio album, after all it has been a while. I rushed to my record store and bought the CD the next day. I was not dissapointed albeit quiet amazed at the perfection and crispness of the vocals, lyrics and production of this record. If A&M markets this thing well....which in my opinion they did not on "Behind the Eyes", Amy may soon become the comeback queen of pop radio. The first song, "Happy", puts Sheryl Crowe to shame, but the song that I'm most excited about is "Eye to Eye", which has huge potential at grabbing radio air-time due to its fresh, haunting music, lyrics and vocals. "Beautiful" is moving and gorgeous. Amy's vocals are better than ever as are the candid lyrics and superb production. A truly amazing record that should put Amy back in the spotlight where she belongs.

"Simple Things" is one of Amy Grant's best efforts yet. From the fun and upbeat "Happy" to the lone acoustic guitar and haunting voice of "After the Fire," Amy touches on a wide variety of topics including reconciliation, loss of innocence, and forgiveness. The album is fresh-sounding, and deserves more radio airplay than it will probably get. This is not bubble-gum pop! Amy Grant fans will love it, and for those who do not know her, this is a good place to start.

The title says it all: "Simple Things" is profoundly simple and simply profound! Superlatives are never needed when it comes to Amy Grant's music . . . she's just REAL! Her sincerity truly shines through on her latest project. Musically, the arrangements are not much different from the alternative folk-rock of today's younger female pop stars (acoustic and electric guitars, strings). Yet when it comes down to lyrics, Grant's songs far surpass the usual Top 40 stuff in wisdom gleaned from her life experiences. Her vocals are full of passion. Favorite cuts: "Simple Things", "Eye to Eye," "Out in the Open," "Touch" and "After the Fire."