The Way Home (1998)

The Way Home is the eleventh studio album by Christian singer - songwriter Wayne Watson, released on February 17, 1998 by Word Records. The album was produced by musician - producer Michael Omartian.

The lead single, "For Such a Time As This," was an anthem of encouragement inspired by professional athlete Ken Ruettgers of the Green Bay Packers. It is based upon Mordecai's words to Esther in Esther 4:14, which says, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” "For Such a Time As This" became a Top 5 hit on the Christian AC chart. The track was used on the Season 6 premiere of the hit CBS-TV series Touched By An Angel in September 1999.

The second single "Here In This Town" became Watson's final number one song on the Christian AC chart. The song is about religion in America with profound lyrics written by former White Heart member Gordon Kennedy and musicians Phil Maderia and Jackie Street. Watson wrote six songs and co-wrote three songs with Omartian. The album's overall sound is more adult contemporary, thus no songs were charted on the Christian CHR chart like previous releases. The Way Home peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums and at number 35 on the Heatseekers Album charts.

The album inspired two books, both written by Watson: a devotional book also titled The Way Home released in the same year as the album and For Such a Time As This: Graduating into a Life of Faith, Purpose and Joy, which is an inspirational book for graduating students, that reminds us all that our lives have purpose and that we've been called to something greater than ourselves.

Track listing

All songs were written by Wayne Watson, except where noted.

1. There Goes Sundown -4:07

2. Here In This Town (Gordon Kennedy, Phil Maderia, Jackie Street) -4:01

3. Wouldn't That Be Somethin'? -4:58

4. For Such a Time As This -4:12

5. The Urgency (Of the Generally Insignificant) -4:05

6. Growing -4:06

7. Long Way Home (Wayne Watson, Michael Omartian) -4:03

8. Perception -4:07

9. What Are You Still Doin' Here? (Wayne Watson, Michael Omartian) -4:17

10. Come Home (Wayne Watson, Michael Omartian) -3:58

Radio singles

1998 "For Such a Time As This" -#3 Christian AC

1998 "Here In This Town" -#1 Christian AC

1998 "Come Home" -#12 Christian AC

Previous release: Field of Souls (1995)

Next release: Signature Songs (1999) (Benson Records compilation album)