28th November, 2007
JUSTIN MICHAEL
Album: Better Days Ahead
Artist: Steve Grace
Year: 2007
Label: Indie (World Missions International/Shout! Publishing)
Enhanced: No
In a word: Gem
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"Somehow 'Better Days' reminds me of Charlie Peacock's 'Kingdom Come' album. It’s similarly introspective, hopeful and has that touch of wisdom that some years under the belt brings." |
In an age where the church is trying to find new language to give the same beautiful message, there are some voices that have become clearer simply because they refuse to be quieted by time. Steve Grace is one of them. Twenty years on, a gold record under his belt (Children Of The Western World) along with hundreds of miles, nations and gigs, and now on tour with his sons in the band, Steve is still preaching with a few simple chords, a gravel-tossed voice and a sense that he has to keep singing.
For those who haven’t been paying attention, this is the first album for Steve in a few years after taking an extended sabbatical from touring. Now based part of the year in America, part in Australia, the Grace family is on the road again with a bunch of new folks and the sense that there are indeed Better Days Ahead.
This is possibly the truest country album Steve has ever penned. No doubt the effect of hanging out with a bunch of Americans who invented the stuff. The liner notes on this tell us very little except what sort of vintage guitars were played in the studio! It’s got that simple ring of lyrics that are pure and easy to grab underscored by understated textures.
Somehow Better Days reminds me of Charlie Peacock's Kingdom Come album. It’s similarly introspective, hopeful and has that touch of wisdom that some years under the belt brings.
Better Days brings worship-type melodies like Be Glorified where Steve sings: "Nothing more to prove or prayers that I can pray; you took it to the cross - everything I was - to be covered by your grace. Be glorified". It also gives simple hope with songs like Somewhere In America, the bring-a-smile-to-your-face country pop of Amazing Love and the Paul Simon-like reworking of Blessed Assurance.
Better Days Ahead should be in every Aussie Christian music lover's collection, every country music collection and every gem-of-a-bloke collection around ‘cause Gracey fits all the categories like a glove.
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