Personnel: Amy Grant (vocals); Keb' Mo', Peter Cetera (vocals); Ed Cash (acoustic guitar, percussion, background vocals); Vince Gill (electric guitar); Mattathias Pearson (bass guitar); Chad Cromwell (drums).
Though it's missing a few key tracks from 1985's dance-oriented UNGUARDED, GREATEST HITS 1986-2004 collection otherwise presents a comprehensive overview of Amy Grant's wildly successful but oft-controversial "crossover" period. During this time, Grant's growing popularity with mainstream music lovers sometimes alienated her from her Christian fan base. Though Jesus is mentioned explicitly in several songs here, most listeners would indeed be hard-pressed to find much difference between Grant's music and that of secular pop stars. "Lead Me On" features the same sort of heavily chorused guitar sounds and pounding drums favored by Phil Collins, while the synthesized strings and sweeping balladry of "That's What Love Is For" are reminiscent of Celine Dion. Other highlights include Grant's smooth take on 10cc's classic "The Things We Do for Love" and the newly recorded Keb' Mo' duet "Come Be with Me," which, with its rootsy instrumentation and sultry vocal performance, recalls TUESDAY NIGHT MUSIC CLUB-era Sheryl Crow. minimize