Amy Grant - Time Again: Amy Grant Live

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Within a year or so of becoming a Christian I was writing for Buzz magazine and reviewing Amy's 'Age To Age' album which, as it turned out, was the album which established her as CCM's first genuine superstar. So it's a little nostalgic for this reviewer to be listening to Amy's first live recording in 25 years and hearing her newly minted rendition of 'Age To Age' classic "In A Little While". As it turns out, there are two versions of the song here, the live one and a nicely arranged studio version (rather oddly put on at the end of the album). For the two concerts in April 2006 in Fort Worth, Texas which sourced most of this 18-song CD Amy assembled a superlative band to accompany her and with such quality musicianship her renditions of gems like "Lead Me On", "Simple Things", "Every Heartbeat" and "Thy Word" all have an engaging, occasionally country-tinged freshness. I have long been bored with the song "Baby Baby" but judging from the rapturous reception it receives here it is still considered another jewel in Amy's crown. I don't really see the appeal of having a bonus four-song DVD packaged with this album, it's just a means of promotion for the full length DVD. Overall though, an impressive showcase for an exceptional pop talent.