Amy Grant

Item: House of Love
Author: Vanessa Crooks

House of Love

(1994)

Reviewed by Vanessa Crooks

Discogs Apple Music TIDAL Spotify YouTube Music

Label MyrrhThe LighthouseSeptember 1994

adult contemporary pop pop rock

With her new album, House Of Love, two things are clear: Amy Grant has grown yet again artistically, and she should continue to find herself embraced in the mainstream marketplace. Holding true to her initial vision to chronicle a life lived in relationship with Jesus Christ, Grant presents an album that expresses the trials and challenges, blessings and rewards of godly relationships.

Creatively, she has been joined by producers Michael Omartian and Keith Thomas. The result is a fresh and pleasing blend of Grant's pop and acoustic leanings. Her voice has never sounded so clear and strong. She really "fronts" the songs rather than being overpowered by the music (as has happened at times in the past).

House Of Love is also very musically diverse. The title track, a duet with country singer Vince Gill, has a smoking Motown and R&B flavor. Also, her cover of the Joni Mitchell classic "Big Yellow Taxi" is a sweet melodic romp that features acoustic guitar, mandolin, and lap steel.

From a lyrical standpoint, Grant's albums have always attempted to reflect her desire to walk with God and to use words to paint pictures of life around her-House Of Love is no exception. Grant sketches intimate vignettes of love and relationships. "Lucky One" is a song of appreciation from a wife who admires her husband as a man who "loves with all his might." "Whatever It Takes" could easily be a wedding pledge, a promise of faithfulness and fidelity, to persevere through the ups and downs of relationship. She also gives glimpses of her thoughts on more overtly spiritual topics. "The Power" ponders with awe the power of God. And "Love Has a Hold on Me" gives testimony to the Love Who never lets us go.

House Of Love is Amy Grant doing what she does best-sharing honest, reality-based songs that profess the hope and joy found in relationship with God and with others. The song "Children of the World" captures the heart of Grant's message: "I will stand for the truth I've seen/So the truth will be seen in me/I will give from the source of love/So all that I believe is handed down/...For the children of the world."

I appreciate Grant being a beacon in the night to so many and for being an example to those who have already seen the Light.