A Maze of Grace (1997)

A Maze of Grace is the second studio album by the Christian vocal group Avalon, released on December 26, 1997 by Sparrow Records. The album was produced by

Charlie Peacock and Christopher Harris.

Released exactly one year after their self-titled debut album, A Maze of Grace continues Avalon's mix of upbeat pop songs and ballads. It is considered a

breakthrough album, due in part to its lead single "Testify to Love." The lyrics

focus on the idea that every part of creation—from the colors of the rainbow to simple acts of mercy—serves as a testimony to God's love. The chorus emphasizes a lifelong commitment to being a "witness in the silences" and giving thanks to God with every breath. "Testify to Love" was written by Paul Field, Henk Pool, Ralph Vanmanen and Robert Riekerk and it would become Avalon's signature song and the most recognized, hitting the top of The CCM Update's Christian AC chart where it stayed for six weeks. CCM Magazine named it one of the 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music in 2006, placing it at number 23.

A Maze of Grace also garnered three more number one songs for Avalon: "Adonai," "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" and "Reason Enough." The album charted and peaked on the following Billboard albums charts:

-#6 Top Christian Albums

-#8 Heatseekers Albums

-#153 Billboard 200 Albums (their first appearance)

In 1999, Avalon racked up 5 Dove Award nominations including Artist of the Year and Group of the Year, but won two at the 30th GMA Dove Awards in the song categories: Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year for "Testify to Love" and Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year for "Adonai." That same year, the album was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It is the first of two Gold-certified albums Avalon achieved. After the release of A Maze of Grace, Nikki Hassman (now Anders) left the group to pursue a solo career with Sony Music. It was the first of many personnel changes Avalon went through in their recording career. Member Janna Long is the only one from Avalon to stay through its incarnations as a group.

Track listing

1. Testify to Love (Paul Field, Henk Pool, Ralph Vanmanen, Robert Riekerk) -4:41

2. A World Away (Avalon, Charlie Peacock) -4:12

3. A Maze of Grace (Charlie Peacock, Grant Cunningham) -4:30

4. Knockin' On Heaven's Door (Grant Cunningham, Matt Huesmann) -3:36

5. Adonai (Stephanie Lewis, Lorraine Ferro, Don Koch) -4:03

6. Speed of Light (Michael Passons, Jody McBrayer, Matt Huesmann, Kyle

Matthews) -4:02

7. The Move (Margaret Becker, Charlie Peacock, Rick Will) -5:03

8. Reason Enough (Ty Lacy, John Mandeville, Shelli Mandeville) -4:20

9. Forgive + Forget (Grant Cunningham, Matt Huesmann) -4:10

10. Dreams I Dream For You (Charlie Peacock, Douglas Kane McKevley) -3:58

Personnel

Avalon:

Janna Potter -vocals

Jody McBrayer -vocals

Michael Passons -vocals

Nikki Hassman -vocals

RIAA certifications

Gold certified in 1999.

Accolades

Dove Award -Pop Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year ("Testify to Love")

Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year ("Adonai")

Radio singles

1997 -1998 "Testify to Love" -#7 Christian CHR, -#1 Christian AC for 6 weeks

1998 "Adonai" -#1 Christian AC for 2 weeks

1998 "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" -#15 Christian CHR, -#1 Christian AC for 2 weeks

1998 -1999 "Reason Enough" -#1 Christian AC

Previous release: Avalon (1996)

Next release: In a Different Light (1999)