Amy Grant goes “Line By Line” through faith and pop masterpieces as “Heart In Motion” turns 30

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

She initially got going as the undisputed queen of contemporary Christian music, but lest not anyone forget, Amy Grant also led the pack when it came to crossing over to the pop charts, becoming nothing short of iconic in either category.

Her “Line By Line” Tour though both eras was originally slated to run throughout the height of the pandemic, and during its inevitable postponement, the singer/songwriter underwent emergency heart surgery.

As her health got back on track, Grant also released the “Heart In Motion 30” collection alongside the rescheduled shows, culminating with a DVD taping in Nashville and a sold out closer at the Raue Center For The Arts in Crystal Lake.

Much like her landmark “Lead Me On” anniversary trek, the emphasis was on this more than five million copy-selling classic, although the six-time Grammy winner peaked into practically every crevice, backed by a five-piece band and two supporting vocalists, who helped with the heaviest lifting.

The chart-toppers and praises were too many to mention, but “Stay For Awhile,” “Find A Way,” “Oh How The Years Go By,” “Saved By Love,” “El Shaddai” and “Emmanuel” were a mere handful of the inspirational flashbacks.

Yet it was the “Heart In Motion” moments that arguably made the brightest splashes and caused the most contemplation, from the bubbly “Good For Me,” “Baby Baby and “Every Heartbeat,” to the beautifully pensive ballads “That’s What Love Is For” and “I Will Remember You.”

There were even deeper dives into the prayerful optimism of “Hope Set High” and the chilling “Ask Me,” which has become nothing short of an anthem for sexual abuse survivors and a true gem in general.

With that in mind, Grant is one of the more unique artists able to meet audiences exactly where they’re at without ever coming across as preachy, and as a result of being nothing but herself, she continues to attract a diverse audience of various backgrounds.

Those natural gifts were on display and then some in a generous two-act show that lived up to the passion presented in the newly completed closer, “Don’t Ever Want To Lose It (Wind In The Fire),” which found this immensely humble superstar’s faith in music and meaning burning bright.

Click here for more photos of Amy Grant at the Raue Center For The Arts.

For additional information on Amy Grant, visit AmyGrant.com.

For a list of upcoming concerts at the Raue Center For The Arts, visit RaueCenter.org.