Amy Grant
Behind the Eyes (A&M) (star) (star) 1/2
On “Behind The Eyes,” her 15th album since being discovered at age 15, Grant delivers a safe-but-solid slice of mellow adult pop that showcases her sweet, ever-so-slightly frayed voice. On the down side, the conservative approach taken by producers Keith Thomas and Wayne Kirkpatrick lacks any sense of musical adventure (though it boasts a commercial appeal that will make pop-lite radio programmers smile). That said, there’s no denying Grant’s singing and songwriting talent. “Takes A Little Time” chugs with breezy, slow-rocking charm and a catchy chorus, and “Like I Love You” finds Grant using her vocal range to its fullest. Grant may need to stretch her musical wings a bit — but for an adult contemporary artist, she comes across as a refreshing alternative who steers clear of whiny acrobatics, melodrama, cheap come-ons or singles-bar angst.