Artist of My Soul is the eighteenth studio album by Christian singer Sandi Patty, released in 1997 on Word Records. It was produced by Robbie Buchanan, whose production, arrangement and keyboardist credits include artists like Amy Grant, Whitney Houston, Rascal Flatts and Neil Diamond. The album peaked at number 3 on the Heatseekers Albums, number 7 on the Top Christian Albums and number 155 on the Top 200 Albums charts in Billboard magazine. Artist of My Soul won Inspirational Album of the Year at the 29th GMA Dove Awards.
Track listing
Personnel
Sandi Patty – vocals, backing vocals (3) Robbie Buchanan – acoustic piano, synthesizers, Hammond B3 organ, arrangements Michael Landau – guitars Neil Stubenhaus – bass Mike Baird – drums Sandra Crouch – tambourine (7) Steve Tavaglione – soprano saxophone (3) The London Studio Orchestra – orchestra (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8-11) Tom Howard – orchestrations (1, 2, 5, 6, 11) Bob Krogstad – arrangements (4, 8, 9, 10), orchestrations (4, 8, 9, 10) Rolf Wilson – concertmaster (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8-11) Orion Crawford – music preparation Warren Stayner – backing vocals (3) Faith Central Missionary Baptist Church – choir (7) Barbara Allen – choir director (7)
Production
Matt Baugher – executive producer
Robbie Buchanan – producer
Brent Bourgeois – A&R direction
Bubba Smith – A&R direction
Jeremy Smith – recording
Dick Lewzey – orchestra recording
Bill Buckingham – additional recording
KojI Egawa – tracking and vocal recording assistant
Nick Harris – orchestra recording assistant
Scott Erickson – overdub and BGV recording assistant, production coordinator
Johnny Q – overdub and BGV recording assistant
Bill Schnee – mixing at The Factory Studios (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) Ryen Froggatt – mix assistant Doug Sax – mastering at The Mastering Lab (Hollywood, California) Linda Bourne Wornell – A&R coordinator Beth Lee – art direction Gina Binkley – design Russ Harrington – photography
Critical reception
Rodney Batdorf of AllMusic wrote "Although it might not be as ambitious as some of her other '90s records, 'Artist of My Soul' is a typically fine record from Sandi Patty that expertly showcases her smooth voice, her easy way with a melody, and her boundless spiritual faith."
Mike Rimmer of Cross Rhythms rated Artist of My Soul 8 out of 10 writing that the album is "definitely inspiring, well produced with some excellent songs and if you like your pop music easy on the ear, this is for you." Rimmer also pointed out that the "poppy gospel flavourings of 'You Alone' and the gentle wonder of 'Speechless' are high points."