Point Of Grace: Heather Payne, Denise Jones, Shelly Breen, Terri Jones.
Producers include: Shaun Shankel, Scott Williamson, Robert Sterling, Phil Naish, Michael Omartian.
Recorded between 1993 & 2003. Includes liner notes by Rob Simbeck.
24 is generous in every sense of the word -- a lengthy double-disc tribute to the female quartet's uplifting adult contemporary pop. Their record-setting string of consecutive number-one singles was a feat unmatched by any artist in any genre, ever. The streak actually lasted longer, but two dozen seemed a round-enough number to stop and honor the group's achievement. With greater staying power than any other act in Christian music, the singers' trademark harmonies can be chronicled during their first decade together on this stunning collection. ~ Jared Johnson
The double-disc greatest-hits set 24 reaffirms Point of Grace as one of the definitive CCM groups of the '90s and 2000s, gathering (appropriately enough) two dozen of their hit singles and best-loved album tracks. Presented in roughly chronological order, the collection moves from the R&B and mainstream pop-inspired "I'll Be Believing," "Faith, Hope & Love," "I Have No Doubt," and "No More Pain" from their self-titled 1993 debut, to the warmer sound of The Whole Truth's "Great Divide," "Dying to Reach You," "Gather at the River," and "Love Like No Other," which add folk and rock elements to the group's sound. Point of Grace becomes increasingly diverse on Life Love & Other Mysteries' "Keep the Candle Burning," "Circle of Friends," and "You Are the Answer" as well as on the title track from 1998's Steady On and that album's "Saving Grace" and "My God," all of which bear a strong adult alternative influence. "Blue Skies," "He Sends His Love," and "Praise Forevermore" feature ambitious electronic and symphonic elements but maintain the strong songwriting and pristine four-part harmonies that have marked Point of Grace's career since the beginning. 24 also features a bonus track, "Day by Day," that begins the collection with proof that the group is continuing to push the boundaries of mainstream contemporary Christian music while remaining accessible and inspiring. A much more straightforward collection than Rarities & Remixes, 24 is a consistent and pleasantly comprehensive overview of Point of Grace's work, and a great starting point for anyone curious about their music. ~ Heather Phares
Cue Rod Serling voice: "Imagine, if you will, a female Christian pop quartet that combines the best elements of Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, the Spice Girls, and En Vogue. A group that mixes the stick-in-your-brain hooks and cool pop sophistication of Christopher Cross with hyper-glossy production. Imagine that this combo's lyrics were both explicitly religious, yet general enough to appeal to anyone looking for some "feel good" pure pop. If that's not enough, now imagine that this group had more consecutive #1 hits than either Elvis or the Beatles..." An overworked record company president's idle daydream? No, just CCM megastars Point Of Grace. As the title implies, 24 collects all, count 'em, 24 of the group's consecutive #1 Christian chart hits on a double-disc set. From up-tempo dance numbers to smoky ballads, Denise, Shelley, Terry, and Heather consistently deliver the quintessential inspirational pop goods with flawless technique, subtle style, and unflagging commitment. minimize