The Letter (1996)

The Letter is the tenth studio album by Christian singer Steve Green, released in February 1996 by Sparrow Records.

The Letter was known for its deeply worshipful and devotional tone, departing slightly from Green's previous work by incorporating the reading of a Psalm and orchestral arrangements. The title song, written by Michael Card and Phil Naish, was written from the perspective of a parent or father-figure speaking to a child, expressing regret for being lost in "busyness" and affirming that the child's life is a "living letter" and a "poem of perfect praise."

The lead single, "Love One Another," emphasizes that while many believers dream of changing the world through preaching, the most effective way to "rescue the human race" is through the simple, practical act of loving one another. The lyrics also reference 1 Corinthians 13, describing love as patient, kind, and quick to forgive. The track was Green's final chart appearance on The CCM Update's Christian AC chart, as from this point on, and due to a changing climate in Christian music, Green will cater to an older audience as his songs will chart on the Inspirational format.

The Letter also includes his vocal duet track "Teach Me to Love" with fellow Christian Gospel singer Larnelle Harris, that previously appeared on the 1994 various artists project Promise Keepers - A Life That Shows. The album debuted and peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums and at number 20 on the Heatseekers Albums charts. All songs were produced by Greg Nelson, except "Teach Me to Love" which was produced by Brown Bannister. Green was more involved on this project writing or co-writing six of the album's 12 tracks.

Track listing

1. Love One Another (Jon Mohr, Randall Dennis) -4:28

2. I Will Call On You (Steve Green, Matt Huesmann) -3:52

3. All Is Well (Grant Cunningham, Matt Huesmann) -4:26

4. The Letter (Michael Card, Phil Naish) -3:45

5. Oh Men of God, Arise (Steve Green, Jon Mohr, David Hamilton) -4:35

6. 'Til the End of Time (Steve Green) -4:31

7. Teach Me to Love (vocal duet with Larnelle Harris) (Steve Green, Larnelle Harris,

Phil Naish) (from the various artists recording Promise Keepers - A Life That

Shows) -4:13

8. Oh, I Want to Know You More (Steve Fry) -4:04

9. Delighted (Phill McHugh, Jim Cooper) -4:45

10. No Surprise (Steven Green, Douglas McKevley) -4:37

11. I Am in God's Hands (Phill McHugh, Phil Naish) -3:58

12. All Over the World (Steve Green, David Hamilton) -3:16

Production credits

Greg Nelson -producer (tracks 1 -6, 8 -12)

Brown Bannister -producer (track 7)

Radio singles

1996 "Love One Another" -#37 Christian AC, -#1 Christian Inspirational

Previous release: People Need the Lord (1994) (compilation album)

Next release: The First Noel (1996)