Amy Grant

Item: Takes A Little Time
Author: Vanessa Crooks

Takes A Little Time

(1997)

Reviewed by Vanessa Crooks

Discogs

Label MyrrhThe LighthouseNovember 1997

adult contemporary folk rock pop

Amy Grant could not have chosen a more apt title for the EP of her forthcoming album-indeed, Ms. Grant has taken more than just a "little time" to release this new project. However, if the quality of these three songs is any indicator, Behind The Eyes (the full-length album, due out on September 9th) will generously reward our patience.

Comprised of two new tunes as well as a remake of "El Shaddai," Takes A Little Time represents the pinnacle of both folk and pop sounds. Truly, the title track and first radio single is a bright and bouncy shuffle, which harkens back to such legendary female artists as Carole King and Carly Simon. By comparison, the ballad, "Somewhere Down The Road," boasts a warm and earnest appeal, drawn from an exquisitely pure piano, guitar, and vocal blend. Unlike the vapid, formulaic hooks that often pass for pop melodies these days, Grant's work is undergirded with solid-yet inescapably catchy-riffs, and relies on straightforward, mostly acoustic instrumentation. Her results strike a perfect balance between contemporary and retro stylings, conjuring a soulful spirit without sounding dated.

In this era of multi-octave superstars and angry young screamers, there is no one who generates the intimate and evocative notes Grant does. Nuance is the key to her art. She deftly selects the precise amount of "vocal butter" to give her lyrics emotional resonance, and her phrasing coils and uncoils with definitive spring. The burred rasp she applies to "Somewhere Down The Road" adds a moody air; whereas, on the stark re-make of "El Shaddai," Grant plays up the potency of the lyrics by setting only minimal textures against them. There's a husky, resounding imprint on her voice which blends effortlessly with self-accompanied guitar strums and gentle cello strains. Over the years, Grant has gotten increasingly more comfortable with her range-Takes A Little Time captures her most refined performance to date.

It's a foregone conclusion that only a few artists could stay so solidly on the cutting edge as Amy Grant has over time. After more than twenty years, she remains a touchstone-an epitome of a great pop singer/songwriter. So make the effort-"take a little time"-and catch up with this long-standing friend. I believe you will be glad you did.