Reviewed by Allan Clare

The cover looks really '80s which isn't surprising since this is a 1981 album of Amy live in concert in the US. Most of the songs are from her first three albums and it all sounds, erm, very '80s - and rather twee. There are some hideously twirly synthesisers with the opening tracks trying to get the gig going, while Amy goes all Dolly Parton with her spoken intro and acoustic pickings on a song to her great-grandmother - "Mimi's House". The acoustic laid back feel continues on "Mountain Top", "All I Ever Have To Be" and, with a new song for this concert, "Singing A Love Song" which gives a very mellow vibe to the album. This might be due to the fact that this is only one half of the concert - the second volume needs to be bought to complete the set. However, this being Amy Grant, there ARE some great pop songs - "Never Give You Up" has a catchy chorus, and we all know that Amy has a great voice. However, this re-issue is one for diehard fans only, I feel.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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