Amy Grant's latest album is questioned on its Christian links

A MAJOR storm has erupted in the American Christian music industry over the lyrical content of the new Amy Grant album 'Behind The Eyes' and it's validity in being described as "Christian" music. Rich Anderson, buyer for a large CCM outlet, thought Grant's 'Behind The Eyes' is not welcome in the CCM charts. He says, "It's not a Christian album. It should be clear about the person of Christ and these lyrics are not." Conversely, Jim Chaffe, general manager of Myrrh, said concerning Grant's profile, "I think you have to look at the preponderance of the artist's life. To this day Amy doesn't do an interview where she isn't asked about her Christianity."

A new committee is being set up by the Christian Music Trade Association (CMTA) which, among other things, has been charged with developing overall chart placement criteria. Billboard director for charts Geoff Mayfield said they will listen to the recommendations but Billboard must have the final say. Mayfield said, "It's hard to explain to someone that all of a sudden this artist who has been on Christian charts for years now doesn't belong on the Christian chart."