By Andy Argyrakis

NEW AMY ALBUM

After a seven year wait between studio CDs (outside of Christmas or hymns collections), Amy Grant finally returns with Somewhere Down the Road (Sparrow/EMI). The twelve track project features six brand new songs (including the lead single "Better Than a Hallelujah" and the duet with her daughter Sarah "Overnight"), along with two previously unreleased tunes and a brand new recording of the golden oldie "Arms of Love." The album is rounded out by three treasured storytelling songs, including her gorgeous rendition of "I Can Only Imagine," which adds further icing on the cake to this heartfelt return.

EARLY AMY

To coincide with the new CD, EMI is also opening up the vaults to Grant's past catalogue, offering commemorative bundles of two treasured albums together, complete with an eye-catching slip case, enhanced artwork and digitally remastered sound. The trip down memory lane begins with The Collectors Series: Early Years, which features re-releases of the albums My Father's Eyes and Age To Age, which collectively combine the timeless contemporary church classics "El Shaddai," "Sing Your Praise To The Lord" and "In A Little While."

BREAKOUT'S BEST

Boasting the famed spotted cover pattern that defined the visual side of the singer/songwriter throughout the mid-1980s, The Collectors Series: Breakout Years lives up to its title with the mighty Straight Ahead and empowering Unguarded albums. In terms of the first, expect the inspiring "Thy Word" and "Angels," followed by instant sing-a-longs of "Everywhere I Go," "Find a Way" and "Love of Another Kind" on the latter, all of which benefit from crystal clear revamped sound.

POP UP THE CHARTS

Perhaps the most mainstream-friendly of all Grant's albums are those recalled throughout The Collectors Series: The Pop Collection. Boasting a shot of the entertainer beaming on the cover from her period of music video conquest, fans are treated to chart riding flashbacks of Heart In Motion and House of Love. Get ready to reminisce across mounds of crossover radio cuts, including "Baby Baby," "Every Heartbeat," "Lucky One" and "Oh How The Years Go By," also benefiting from the remastered luster.

TROUBADOUR TUNES

Last but not least is a touchstone collection from the 1980s, alongside an even more introspective album from the ‘90s, both compiled on The Collector's Series: The Singer Songwriter Collection, accompanied by more pensive artwork to set the tone for the like-minded lyrical side. Lead Me On endures with the thought provoking trio of "Saved By Love," the title track and "If These Walls Could Speak," while Behind the Eyes boasts such organic staples as "Takes A Little Time," "Cry a River" and "Nobody Home."

For a complete list of new and upcoming albums, check out our new releases page.