By Andy Argyrakis

AMY'S NEW ALBUM ANNOUNCEMENT

Legendary singer/songwriter Amy Grant is gearing up for her first official studio CD since 2003's Simple Things. Come March 30, the wait is finally over as Somewhere Down the Road (EMI) features 12 fresh tracks chronicling themes of resiliency, promise and hope. As for the album's breakdown, expect four brand-new tunes, several previously unreleased songs and a newly recorded take on "Arms of Love."

GRIFFIN GOES FROM CHURCH TO TOUR

After releasing her first official faith-based disc last week (Downtown Church on ATO), Patty Griffin announces a national tour in support of the project. From March 26 in St. Louis to April 17 in Driftwood, Texas, she'll turn in tunes from the project, plus others from her seven-CD-spanning career. And if the famed troubadour doesn't appear to be swinging through your town just yet, don't fret because it's only the first leg with additional outings coming soon.

TSO'S NON-CHRISTMAS TUNES

Fellow crossover favorites Trans-Siberian Orchestra are also embarking on a bold new career move. Rather than merely rehashing Christmas covers in the hard-rock style, the symphonic rockers are touring behind the entirely original and exclusively non-holiday Beethoven's Last Night CD from 2000, a spiritually inspired rock opera of sorts peppered with classical inspirations. The spring outing kicks off March 25 in Cincinnati and winds down in Dallas on May 2.

Check out this week's ! Album Alert. For more headlines, visit the news feed at CMCentral.com.