Point of Grace Albums (11)
'Tennessee Christmas: A Holiday Collection'
Release Date 9/23/2008
Tracks 30
Label Word
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What The Critics Say
When the group's streak of 26 consecutive number-ones hits ended with 2004's "I Choose You," the notable women's quartet didn't make major revisions to their sound. They did, however, embellish their harmonic adult contemporary with elements of country pop. The twangy "Any Way" and title track bring to mind the Dixie Chicks or Martina McBride. The group once again benefited from contributions by some of contemporary Christian music's most seasoned songwriters, including Nichole Nordeman, Jason Ingram, and Scott Krippayne. Laced together with the group's trademark vocals, How You Live shows the ladies securely and steadfastly doing what they do best. ~ Jared Johnson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Christmas is about the only time of year Christian music artists -- at least those who sing exclusively for believers -- can get away with recording secular music. For the most part, the content of their selections is innocuous -- standards, love songs, a few songs about Santa, Rudolph, and Frosty -- but it's curious how comfortably the material cohabitates with more sacred, solemn fare about Christ's first advent. Such is the case with Point of Grace's Winter Wonderland, the foursome's second seasonal album since 1999's gold-selling A Christmas Story. Like that album, the project is basically split right down the middle between carols and American classics, but, once again, everything is performed and produced so majestically, so gloriously, it's easy for one to forget about the subject matter and revel in the sweeping arrangements, the lush orchestrations, and the absorbing holiday ambience created by the ladies and their producer -- in this case, the always reliable Brown Bannister. If played continuously, it's almost as if both albums came from the same sessions -- a testament to the timeless, classic feel of the seasonal fare included here. When guided by the right vocal coach, Point of Grace can also turn in some truly breathtaking four-part harmonies, as in the all a cappella "In the First Light" and the sprawling, Macy's-friendly "Santa Medley." Deep down, though, Point of Grace are a Christian pop group at heart and, reasonably, the quartet covers Christmas stuff once recorded by CCM colleagues Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith, two acts the singers have toured with during holiday seasons past. No matter the provenance of the tunes, Winter Wonderland is Christmas music of the highest order, whether you need a soundtrack for reflection, last-minute shopping, or both. ~ Andree Farias, All Music Guide
'I Choose You'
Release Date 1/1/2004
Tracks 12
Label Word Entertainment
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What The Critics Say
After a three-year layoff, Point of Grace return with a new member (former Truth vocalist Leigh Cappillino, who replaced founding member Terry Jones in early 2004) and a more aggressive, modern sound. I Choose You won't be mistaken for punk rock or electroclash, but its distorted guitars and drum loops do toughen up the candy shell surrounding the chocolate center that is the quartet's rich vocal harmony sound. Those musical elements don't do much to relieve the banal obviousness of their devotional lyrics, however: on "Down" they waste a lot of breath reminding God that He's big and powerful ("You are so much more than me" -- well, duh), and on "For All You've Done" they manage to make Christ's atonement sound like a janitorial project ("Oh cleanser of the mess I've made" -- yeesh). If you don't listen to the words very closely, though, you can float along perfectly happily on the dense and professionally gritty arrangements, the sumptuously rich vocal harmonies, and the radio-ready pop hooks. And if you find yourself starving for lyrical substance, hold on until the last track, which features an extended reading from The Pilgrim's Progress. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
'Girls of Grace'
Release Date 8/20/2002
Tracks 10
Label Word Entertainment
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What The Critics Say
When you listen to this sweet-voiced foursome, it's still hard to get aural images of Wilson Phillips out of your mind, but it's nice to know that a girl group can still achieve such powerful emotions via harmony-driven songs. They've earned an astonishing 21 consecutive number one hit singles and have five gold albums, communicating their love of God in ways that range from rock with a bluesy edge (like the anthemic rabble-rouser "Praise Forevermore") to simple, breathy cards of encouragement ("You'll Never Walk Alone," "He Sends His Love"). "Blue Skies" is a bit simplistic lyrically, but the edgy rock guitars are enhanced with a soaring orchestra, giving the tune major inspirational power. The one genre POG hasn't entered often enough is R&B; the opening track features a gently throbbing groove that is borderline hip-hop. Their best songs always feature the four voices all the way through, but on occasion, one of the ladies takes the lead before the rest chime in, as on "All That I Need." Not a bad little tune, but it's wimpy compared to the power pop of the one that follows it ("Something So Good"). What a unique dilemma -- having so much good material on each album that the songs that don't stand out seem dull by comparison. The liner material mentions that POG exists to "celebrate the triumph of Jesus Christ." And in so doing, they are creating some of CCM's most triumphant and uplifting music. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Producer Brown Bannister and A&R director Brent Bourgeois seem to have been going for diversity in putting together a Point Of Grace Christmas album. Among the 17 songs in 14 tracks are traditional carols, popular evergreens, and five new compositions. The older songs are given lush, shimmering arrangements sometimes so different from the familiar versions that they are unidentifiable until after the lyrics have kicked in. The quartet of singers, sometimes augmented by choirs, does vocal acrobatics around the tunes, finding fresh and interesting interpretations. They have more fun with the pop songs, such as a big band swing rendition of "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town" and a gently rocking "Jingle Bell Rock." The originals contain no new standards, but provide an opportunity for the individual singers to get solo lead vocals. The most surprising of these is Bourgeois's "Light Of The World," on which Michael Tait sings lead, with Point Of Grace providing only backup vocals. Fans of the group's regular releases are likely to welcome this typically eclectic seasonal collection. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Steady On falls just short of Point of Grace's two previous high-water marks, The Whole Truth and Life Love & Other Mysteries, but its stylish, polished fusion of pop, R&B, contemporary gospel and adult contemporary is still quite charming. Heather Floyd, Denise Jones, Terry Jones and Shelley Phillips have a natural appeal and vocal charisma, and they also have a good ear for material. Even if that ear fails them a couple of times on Steady On, they've wound up with an enjoyable record that entertains as it inspires. ~ Rodney Batdorf, All Music Guide
'Life Love & Other Mysteries'
Release Date 9/9/1996
Tracks 10
Label Sony
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What The Critics Say
On Life, Love & Other Mysteries Point of Grace continue to expand the stylistic range of their music, adding new levels of pop and R&B influences to their smooth, melodic CCM. Boasting a strong selection of songs and consistently impressive, professional performances, the album is arguably the group's finest to date. ~ Rodney Batdorf, All Music Guide
