In a Different Light (1999)

In a Different Light is the third studio album by the Christian vocal group Avalon, released on March 23, 1999 by Sparrow Records.

In the group's first change, it is the first album with group member Cheri Paliotta (now Adams), who replaced Nikki Hassman-Anders and it is also Avalon's first time working with producer Brown Bannister. The line-up stayed like this for the next two albums. Like their previous albums, In a Different Light produced four more number one songs on the Christian AC chart: "In Not Of" (their first music video), "Take You At Your Word" and "Always Have, Always Will," which was co-written by Toby McKeehan of DC Talk. "Can't Live a Day," their further number one Christian song, gave Avalon their first, and only, limited exposure to mainstream AC radio. Even though it did not chart, "Can't Live a Day" had altered lyrics with the name of Jesus removed so that it was tailor-made for mainstream radio airplay.

In a Different Light debuted and peaked at number two on the Top Christian Albums and at number 81 on the Billboard 200 Albums charts. In 2000, Avalon was nominated for four Dove Awards including Group of the Year and Artist of the Year, but losing in all categories. "Can't Live a Day" was nominated for Song of the Year. They were nominated for Group of the Year in 2001. Avalon achieved their second and final Gold-certified album as In a Different Light sold half a million copies by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in October 2000.

Track listing

1. Take You At Your Word (Grant Cunningham, Paul Field) -4:46

2. In Not Of (Nic Gonzales, Grant Cunningham) -4:04

3. In a Different Light (Avalon, Matt Huesmann) -3:26

4. Can't Live a Day (Ty Lacy, Connie Harrington, Joe Beck) -4:47

5. Always Have, Always Will (Toby McKeehan, Nic Gonzales, Grant Cunningham)

-4:18

6. I'm Speechless (Joanna Carlson, Ty Lacy) -5:06

7. If My People Pray (Doug McKelvey, Kent Hooper, Matt Huesmann) -5:05

8. Only For the Weak (Scott Krippayne, Michael Puryear, Doak Snead) -4:47

9. Let Your Love (Phil Madeira, Jeff Borders, Gayla Borders) -4:03

10. Hide My Soul (Sheila Walsh, Chris Eaton) -5:34

11. First Love (Henk Pool, Lee Ann Vermeulen, Sam Scott) -4:34

Personnel

Avalon:

Janna Potter -vocals

Jody McBrayer -vocals

Michael Passons -vocals

Cheri Paliotta -vocals

RIAA certifications

Gold certified in 2000.

Radio singles

1999 "In Not Of" -#4 Christian CHR, -#1 Christian AC

1999 "Take You At Your Word" -#10 Christian CHR, -#1 Christian AC for 3 weeks

1999 "Can't Live a Day" -#1 Christian AC for 3 weeks

2000 "Always Have, Always Will -#5 Christian CHR, -#1 Christian AC

Previous release: A Maze of Grace (1997)

Next release: Joy: A Christmas Collection (2000)

Watch the music video of "In Not Of" here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xRy8zx878w