Grace

by Rob TheakstonLike the majority of his oeuvre, Jim Brickman lays down an instantaneously successful combination that assures airplay on adult contemporary stations and feel-good new age programs for years to come. Like his works on his Ballads, Vol. 1 and holiday records, Brickman selects a few of his favorite traditional religious hymns and invites a few guest vocalists to perform on several compositions which helps to break up an otherwise instrumental-heavy record. Contributions from vocalists Ginny Owens, Mario Frangoulis, Selah and Chris Korblein all provide pleasant counterpoints to Brickman's airy piano arrangements. But it's the inclusion of soft rock staple Michael Bolton and his powerful performance on "Hear Me (Tears Into Wine)" that is the icing on the proverbial cake as far as vocal contributions go. While all of the vocalists add a pleasant touch to Grace's overall feel, Brickman's instrumental arrangements are the true stars of the show here, especially with his gorgeous revision of "Ode to Joy" (here called "Joyful") and the stirring "Holy Holy Holy." It's not Brickman's finest album, but it most definitely is an enjoyable addition to his already impressive body of work.