Point of Grace, one of the best-selling artists in Christian music history, announces the release of their forthcoming studio album on April 7, 2015. With a discography boasting well over a dozen albums, Directions Home (Songs We Love, Songs You Know) is a 10-song disc that features some of their favorite cover songs.
Directions Home encompasses the CCM heritage that Point of Grace has played a pivotal role in creating throughout their 22 year career, as well as the Southern/Country/Bluegrass sonic foundation that has undergirded the ladies' musicianship from the beginning, without conforming to the restraints of any given genre.
"Our goal was to make the music we love in a style we are confident we can deliver," adds Denise Jones. "The common denominator here is that life is good. These are fun, happy songs. This is a happy record."
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A New Spin on Old Favorites| Posted April 20, 2015
While remaining true to their contemporary Christian roots, Point of Grace has released Directions Home (Songs We Love, Songs You Know), a 10-song collection that features some of their favorite cover songs. Shelley, Denise and Leigh co-produced the album alongside esteemed musician Andy Leftwich.
"Only Love," originally by Wynonna Judd features tender and powerful vocals and takes listeners on an emotional journey regarding how "Only love sails straight from the harbor, only love will lead us to the other shore, out of all the flags I've flown, one flies high and stands alone, only love." The song is very stirring and convicting. "Directions Home" features Vince Gill and is a gorgeous offering of comfort. The tender message of the song stirs your heart to sing along.
"Something in the Water," originally by Carrie Underwood, features one of my favorite stanzas of the past year: "Couldn't fight back the tears so I fell on my knees, saying, 'God, if you're there come and rescue me.' Felt love pouring down from above, got washed in the water, washed in the blood, and now I'm changed, and now I'm stronger."
"Friend of a Wounded Heart" (originally by Avalon) is a gorgeous worship sung with a stirring passion and filled with prayerful lyrics. This is an incredible song for the Church. You'll worship our King Jesus during the song, in particular the chorus: "Jesus, He meets you where you are. Jesus, He heals your secret scars. All the love you're longing for is Jesus, The Friend of a wounded heart."
The standout track for me personally is their version of Matt Maher's "Lord, I Need You." It's exactly the type of catchy corporate worship song that I've always wanted to hear sung by Point of Grace. The song features instantly sing-able vertical and prayerful lyrics: "Lord, I need You, I need You, every hour I need You, my one Defense, my Righteousness, Oh God how I need You." I sing along at the top of my lungs with the celebratory lyrics "Where You are, Lord I am free, holiness is Christ in me."
My favorite set of songs are this middle section of the album, which is also highlighted by bluegrass style musical arrangements weaving in hymns of the faith as part of the songs. Examples are "Amazing Grace" sung at the end of "Something in the Water," along with "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" tacked on to "Friend of a Wounded Heart" and a reverent musical layering of "My Jesus, I Love Thee" blended with "Lord, I Need You." Another highlight for me is the strong rendition of "Home" by Phillip Phillips.
Closing Thoughts: Directions Home is the first covers project by Point of Grace, the first project they have co-produced and contains their first collaborations with legendary artists Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs. The first radio single is their version of the song "Something in the Water," a song which was recently a #1 hit for Carrie Underwood.
Since forming at Ouachita Baptist University over twenty years ago, Point of Grace has been established as one of the biggest names in Christian music with their signature chill-inducing harmonies, anthemic choruses and powerful lyrics that poignantly capture life's simple yet vital messages. These are very passionate songs sung with vocal sincerity, allowing the female trio to share their messages of love and positivity with more people than ever. I'm really engaged by the emotional vocals and the prayerful lyrics found in these sacred songs.
Song to Download Now:
"Something in the Water" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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