Commonwealth Network
March 18, 1997
NEW MUSIC UPDATE
Last Friday, I got to hear some new music by and from Amy. It was wonderful,truly!
The first track was Faith Hill's version of Amy & Tom Hemby's "Who I Am". Youmay recall that I mentioned this song as summing up Amy's life in 3 1/2minutes. The lyrics are included in the "Catching Up With Amy" book that isavailable from FOA. (Details from [email protected])I couldn't imagine anyone but Amy singing this song, but Faith more than doesit justice - she didn't change a thing. (Amy elected to delete the bridgefrom our printed version.) The track is to appear on a television soundtrackalbum for "Mad About You".
I was also privileged to listen to a "rough draft" CD of Amy's new album.Bear in mind that I have only listened to it once through and that I ambasically a lyric person. When I attempt a sonic description - it's comingfrom an untrained laymen's viewpoint. Titles and even song selection is sovery tentative that I am not going to include a complete listing at thistime. This is my first impression:
There are some real gems here! Amy's ability to explore every nuance of aparticular feeling really shines. Her vocals are very present and if listenedto on a nice stereo system or with a good pair of headphones - you will havethe distinct feeling that Amy is right in front of you giving you a personalconcert. She is thrilled at the idea of being able to accompany herself live!This fits very well with the lyrical theme of the album. It's very personal.We've heard her say on several occasions that she wants to say something"real". And she does! And just as in life - "real" is not always "cheerful"and "truth" is not always "happy".
Perhaps it was the admonition three years ago from A&M executive DavidAnderle for Amy to do some more of her own writing...to give everyone a doseof who she really is...that prompted Amy to put her guard down in a largelyunexplored area lyrically; that being sorrow, disappointment, angst. Romanticthemes are only referenced with either "love lost" or "sheer determination tostick with it". Not every song serenades "hurt" and "woe", but the overallimpression I was left with after one listen is that of "melancholy".
You won't find anything syrupy or slap-happy here. No "Lucky One" or "SayYou'll Be Mine" or "Baby Baby" would fit. Just as "Ask Me" popped the cork ona lot of individual's bottled-up emotions on the issue of abuse - this maywell be the album that pops your cork and opens wide the flood gates for youto cry your own river. Grief is very real part of the healing experience. Ourexample for life, Jesus Christ, was known as "a man of sorrows, familiar withsuffering" (Isaiah 53:3). Important as the process is, though - know thatthis, too, shall pass! Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in themorning! (Psalm 30:5) If you have been at a loss to articulate your own "darknight of the soul", Amy's may well be the voice to express it.
Fear not! You won't be reaching for the tissues on every track! Like all ofAmy's albums, there is a healthy variety featured here. The lifeline of hopeis thrown out on two songs that many of you have already heard her performduring the tailend of the HOUSE OF LOVE tour. No offers of a "quick fix", butplenty of encouragement to lean into the hurt and hang in there even when itgets tough. The admonition: "Don't expect to "just get over it". These thingstake time and understanding will eventually come if you persevere."
There is a wonderful declaration of steadfast friendship reminiscent ofSmitty's "I Will Be Here For You". We may well have a Friends of Amy themesong in that, though I can see Amy rolling her eyes even now at the meresuggestion of it :-) A special treat for those of you who have missed the eraof the fun/silly song ushered out by "Fat Baby" on AGE TO AGE - it looks likewe've got one of those, too. You may not hear it that way , but I sure did:-)
As the project continues to be refined and take shape - I'll keep you posted!
-Lori Mc