I'll Lead You Home

Sales and charts

The album entered the Billboard 200 at number 16, making it the highest-debuting Christian album in the history of the chart. It also topped the 'Top Contemporary Christian' chart. Released in August 1995, by December of that year it had sold over 51,500 copies in the Christian Bookstore market alone.

Reception

The album received a four and a half out of five star review from Allmusic, with Stephen Thomas Erlewine commenting on the "gospel songs with glistening, immaculate pop production". James Lloyd, reviewing the album for the Dayton Daily News considered it "his best work to date".

The album won the 1996 Grammy Award in the 'Best Pop-Contemporary Gospel Album' category, giving Smith his second Grammy win.

Tour

Smith toured in support of the album in 1996. Support came from Lori and Micah Wilshire (who he subsequently signed to his Rocketown Records label), Three Crosses, and Jars of Clay. Micah Wilshire had contributed backing vocals to the album.

Track listing

1. "Cry for Love" (Smith, Brent Bourgeois) - 5:10
2. "Breakdown" (Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) – 5:27
3. "As It Is in Heaven" (Traditional) – 5:09
4. "Straight to the Heart" (Smith, Bourgeois) - 2:48
5. "Someday" (Smith, Kirkpatrick) – 3:52
6. "I'll Be Around" (Smith, Bob Farrell) – 4:44
7. "I'll Lead You Home" (Smith, Kirkpatrick) – 5:23
8. "The Other Side of Me (Trilogy 1)" (Smith, Kirkpatrick) – 4:23
9. "Breathe in Me (Trilogy 2)" (Smith, Kirkpatrick) – 3:55
10. "Angels Unaware (Trilogy 3)" (Smith, Kirkpatrick) – 4:56
11. "Calling Heaven" (Smith, Kirkpatrick) – 4:54
12. "A Little Stronger Everyday" (Smith, Kirkpatrick) – 4:43
13. "Crown Him with Many Crowns" (Traditional) – 4:34
14. "I'm Waiting for You" (Smith, David Mullen, Sam Mullins) – 3:16

Personnel