All About Love
Steven Curtis Chapman

When it comes to the complex notion of romance, even Steven Curtis Chapman could use a few pointers. At least that's what he would have us believe on All About Love, his 13th album. Part confession and part gift to his wife, Mary Beth, the album sets out to explore the mystery of marriage in the context of the Christian life. And what a mystery it is. "How do I love her?" Chapman asks on a song of the same name, a question Adam himself probably pondered. He also explores topsy-turvy emotions ("You've Got Me"), attraction ("Echoes of Eden") and lifelong friendship ("I Will Be Here").

Musically, the album differs little from Chapman's recent templates: acoustic guitars, tight production and big hooks. The sultry jazz of "I Will Take Care of You" is a stretch, but he pulls it off. Only a stiff remake of The Proclaimers' "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" falls flat.

Adrian Drayton