Amy Grant Latest Album Honest

Amy Grant “Behind the Eyes” (A&M)

Amy Grant’s new album, which arrives in stores this week, opens with an organic pop song called “Nobody Home” that examines the boarded-up remnants of a once-prosperous town. “Packed up, moved away, running from the past,” she sings, “leaving behind the dusty dreams and broken glass.”

Although she didn’t write the tune, “Nobody Home” serves as the contemplative introduction to a decidedly explorative record. After 18 years as the darling of contemporary Christian music and - in the ‘90s - a successful secular pop singer, Grant has crafted a thoughtful album about self-examination.

Even on the effervescent single, “Takes a Little Time,” a song driven by a funky fusion of harmonica, percussion and organ, she preaches that inner peace requires sweat and tears to achieve.

Simple sentiments, yes, but true. What separates this album from Grant’s array of sunny, faith-saves-all Christian efforts and her heavily synthesized pop repertoire is a more stripped-down musical approach that lends credibility to her words.

“Curious Thing,” a sassy number buoyed by rhythmic dobro and accordion, convincingly talks about life-altering circumstances. On “Leave It All Behind,” she uses an acoustic guitar and a Hammond B-3 to frame her uplifting song about the cleansing effect of changing one’s stifling scenery.

Which is, in essence, exactly what she’s done. She has looked inside, adjusted her vision and delivered a liberating record that refocuses her muse. Amy Grant as a work-in-progress. Who would have thought?