Now (2001)

Now is the fourth studio album by Christian singer -songwriter Greg Long, released on March 6, 2001 by Word Records.

Long returns with his first new album in three years. During that time, Long married Avalon member Janna Potter in May 2000. Now was preceded by the lead single "Sufficiency of Grace," which was released to Christian radio in late 2000. The rock-fueled, guitar-driven track is based on scripture in 2 Corinthians 12:9 and focuses on the theme of God's grace being enough to sustain someone through difficult times and "lowest places." It was Long's final number one song on the Christian AC chart. The second single "In the Waiting" is the standout ballad track on Now. The lyrics explore the difficulty of waiting for God's timing during periods of pain and uncertainty. It emphasizes finding a "peace beyond understanding" even when life feels stagnant or silent. The song did very well on Christian Inspo radio as well as on Christian AC radio.

Long worked with three producers on Now: musician Chris Rodriguez, Todd Collins and Don Koch. It is the first album that Long has not worked with John and Dino Elefante, who have produced his previous three albums. Long's wife Janna was also one of the backing vocalists. Now is the first album since his debut release Cross My Heart that it did not chart on the Billboard Top Christian Albums. It was Long's final album on the Word Records label after more than five years.

Track listing

1. Sufficiency of Grace (Greg Pope) -3:17

2. I Won't Take You For Granted (Greg Long, Chris Eaton, Chris Rodriguez) -4:09

3. In the Waiting (Greg Long, Dave Clark, Don Koch) -5:10

4. Loud and Clear (Brian White, Tommy Collier, Joe Beck, Don Koch) -3:47

5. We Dream of a Kingdom (Dwight Liles, Michael Puryear) -4:15

6. Face of Love (Greg Long, Joel Lindsey, Don Koch) -4:16

7. The Sacrifice (Greg Long, Dave Clark, Don Koch) -5:01

8. Help Somebody Cry (Greg Long, John Mandeville, Steve Siler) -4:46

9. The Gospel (Greg Long, Joel Lindsey) -3:52

10. Holy (Greg Long, Joel Lindsey, Regie Hamm) -4:13

Production credits

Don Koch -producer (tracks 3 -7)

Chris Rodriguez -producer (tracks 1, 2 and 8)

Todd Collins -producer (tracks 9 and 10)

Radio singles

2001 "Sufficiency of Grace" -#1 Christian AC for 2 weeks

2001 "In the Waiting" -#18 R&R Christian AC

2002 "I Won't Take You For Granted" -#24 R&R Christian AC

Previous release: Jesus Saves (1998)

Next release: Born Again (2004)