Uplifting Story Behind Christian Hit "When Love Broke Through" by Point of Grace

The Story Behind "When Love Broke Through"

The uplifting contemporary Christian song "When Love Broke Through" was written by songwriters Vince Gill, Amy Grant, and Michael Omartian and recorded by the all-female vocal group Point of Grace for their 2002 album I Choose You. With inspiring lyrics about God's unconditional love breaking through even the darkest times, "When Love Broke Through" connected with Christian music fans and became a hit on Christian radio in 2002.

Point of Grace and Their Uplifting Music

Point of Grace, composed of Shelley Breen, Denise Jones, Leigh Cappillino, and Heather Payne, formed in 1991 at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas. Blending rich vocal harmonies with elements of pop, R&B, and adult contemporary, Point of Grace stood out for their upbeat and encouraging songs rooted in faith and positivity.

Throughout the 90s and early 2000s, Point of Grace released a string of successful Christian pop albums and became one of the most popular acts in contemporary Christian music. Their signature sound - soothing melodies, four-part vocal harmonies, and lyrics celebrating God's love - connected with Christian music fans looking for uplifting messages.

The Lyrics of "When Love Broke Through"

Co-written by Grammy winners Vince Gill and Amy Grant along with producer Michael Omartian, "When Love Broke Through" captures the immense power of God's love with an anthemic chorus:

"When love broke through
You found me in the darkness
Wandering the empty streets
Alone and so far away from home"

The verses continue the theme of being "lost" and despairing before encountering the light and hope of faith:

"I was chasing tinsel dreams
The promises of what could be
When love broke through
And showed this heart a truer dream"

The Album Version

Appearing as the second track on Point of Grace's 2002 album I Choose You, "When Love Broke Through" makes excellent use of the group's pristine vocal harmonies. Over piano and strings, their four voices intertwine beautifully on both the verses and chorus.

Sonically, "When Love Broke Through" showcases Point of Grace's signature contemporary Christian pop sound - gentle yet powerful, managing to somehow sound encouraging even during the song's darker moments.

Reception and Impact

Upon its release as the lead single from I Choose You in 2002, "When Love Broke Through" was instantly embraced at Christian radio. It spent 13 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's Christian Songs chart and went on to be named the No. 3 Christian song of the entire decade (2000-2009) based on chart performance.

Beyond just radio airplay numbers, "When Love Broke Through" clearly resonated with Christian music fans thanks to its poetic lyrics and unforgettable melody. The song emerged as a fan favorite at Point of Grace concerts and continues to be a shining example of the group's uplifting catalog of music.

The Enduring Legacy of "When Love Broke Through"

Though originally released in 2002, "When Love Broke Through" has endured as a beloved staple of contemporary Christian music. rosier nation. The poetic lyrics by Gill and Grant, centered on God's ability to shine light even into life's darkest moments, remain impactful and inspirational today.

While Point of Grace eventually stopped touring in 2015, "When Love Broke Through" lives on as a reminder of the best of CCM: skillful songcraft combined with a message of unwavering faith. More than just a transient radio hit, "When Love Broke Through" feels as relevant in 2023 as ever thanks to its timeless themes of hope and perseverance.

For fans both old and new, the song represents the power music has to lift us up even during difficult times. Just as the lyrics describe being "found" by God's love after wandering alone through hardship and emptiness, listeners continue to find solace, comfort, and reason to believe through the grace expressed in "When Love Broke Through."

FAQs

Who originally recorded "When Love Broke Through"?

The song was recorded by the contemporary Christian music group Point of Grace for their 2002 album "I Choose You." It was released as the album's lead single.

Who wrote the song "When Love Broke Through"?

The songwriters were Vince Gill, Amy Grant, and Michael Omartian. Gill and Grant are both highly acclaimed Grammy winning Christian artists.

What is the message of the song's lyrics?

The lyrics poetically describe how God's unconditional love can break through even in life's darkest moments, using a redemptive metaphor of being "lost" before finding hope.

How popular was "When Love Broke Through"?

The song was a major Christian radio hit in 2002. It spent 13 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Songs chart and was one of the most played Christian songs of the entire 2000-2009 decade.