Lead Me On (Amy Grant album)
Lead Me On is the ninth studio album by American contemporary Christian music singer Amy Grant, released in 1988. It marked a significant turning point in Grant's career, both musically and lyrically.
While retaining elements of her contemporary Christian roots, Lead Me On showcased a more mature and sophisticated pop sound, reflecting Grant's desire to reach a wider audience. The album explores more complex themes than her previous work, dealing with topics such as doubt, temptation, social responsibility, and the search for meaning in life. This shift in lyrical content, particularly addressing struggles common to many people regardless of their religious beliefs, made the album accessible to a broader listening base.
The album spawned several successful singles, including the title track "Lead Me On," which addressed the complexities of faith and the desire for guidance, and "Saved by Love," a powerful ballad. Other notable tracks included "1974 (We Were Sweethearts)" and "Faithless Heart."
Lead Me On achieved significant commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart and number 25 on the Billboard 200 chart. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), indicating sales of over one million copies.
The album's success and its crossover appeal established Amy Grant as a major figure in contemporary pop music, while also sparking debate within the Christian music community regarding the appropriateness of her increasingly secular sound and lyrical content. Lead Me On remains a significant and influential album in Grant's discography, showcasing her artistic growth and her impact on both Christian and mainstream music audiences.