Age to Age

Although Contemporary Christian artist Amy Grant had been recording since the late 1970s, her breakthrough didn't happen until the release of 1982's Grammy-winning AGE TO AGE. While the soft-focus cover dates it a bit, the album presents pop-savvy tunes that hold up over time, with the buoyant single "El Shaddai" serving as a landmark Christian song that would eventually find a home in churches alongside traditional hymns.In contrast to its obvious religious appeal, AGE TO AGE features a highly accessible pop/rock sheen that is most evident on another hit, "Sing Your Praise to the Lord," which boasts a driving, keyboard-laden arrangement. Of course, Grant's vibrant voice and amiable delivery are the disc's finest attributes, with her easy-going Nashville-bred charm and gentle spirituality widening her appeal even further. Though it would be years before Grant's true pop crossover, this record laid down the foundation for her future success and stands as one of her finest offerings.