Never Alone

Description

Never Alone is the third studio album by the American singer and songwriter Amy Grant, released on Myrrh Records in June 1980, a division of Word. The album was recorded at Gold Mine Studio in Brentwood, Tennessee; and at MartinSound Studios in Los Angeles, California; with Brown Bannister producing.

Never Alone was included among CCM Magazine’s Top 10 Albums of 1980.

Most everyone is aware that Amy Grant swiftly captured the hearts of many gospel music fans and industry people alike. She was a sweet sixteen when she began recording, and her music was correspondingly cute. Don’t look now but on her third album, the little girl from Nashville has grown up.

Never Alone will firmly establish Grant as an important and serious singer/songwriter. The album displays not only her great vocal talent («All I Ever Have To Be») but also her ever-increasing maturity («If I Have To Die»). There’s even a touch of rock’n’roll ala Ronstadt («Too Late»). Never Alone will satisfy a variety of musical palates without the stylistic inconsistencies which spoil so many records.

Without detracting from Amy’s skill, the increasingly impressive work of producer Brown Bannister must be noted. He has assembled some heavy-duty Nashville players, recorded them well and mixed it all superbly. The excellent sonic quality, the great songs and Amy’s infectuous vocals add up to make this one of the top albums of the year. [CCM (Records – What’s New), July 1980]

Amy Grant rocks! Well okay, just on one song. Mostly routine mellow pop-and-ballads ccm again, stepping out of the comfort zone for the rocker «Too Late» – check it out, it really does cook! The dynamically orchestrated «Walking Away With You» has also stood up well. Future hub Gary Chapman appears in the songwriting credits for about half the tracks. Produced by Brown Bannister. Amy would of course go on to dominate the ‘80s with albums like Age To Age, Straight Ahead, Unguarded and the classic Lead Me On. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/never-alone/716085987)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Look What Has Happened To Me” – 3:12
A2. “So Glad” – 4:40
A3. “Walking Away With You” – 4:24
A4. “Family” – 2:44
A5. “Don’t Give Up On Me” – 3:54
A6. “That’s The Day” – 3:41

Side Two
B1. “If I Have To Die” – 3:44
B2. “All I Ever Have To Be” – 2:34
B3. “It’s A Miracle” – 2:58
B4. “Too Late” – 3:15
B5. “First Love” – 2:49
B6. “Say Once More” – 2:26

Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape, cassette, and 12-inch vinyl LP by Myrrh Records. Later re-issued on CD by Myrrh Records.

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