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Though Steven Curtis Chapman's 18-year marriage with Mary Beth is certainly the inspiration behind his new recording, All About Love has much to say to everybody – young and old, married and single. People are clearly listening, with Steven's album at #12 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart during its first week, his strongest debut yet. Just before a stop on his busy promo tour, Steven took the time to talk with us about the inspiration and recording process behind All About Love.

Why did you decide to make this album about love and romance?

Steven We hear songs all day long on the radio that talk about love. It doesn't matter who it is – N'Sync, Britney Spears, John Mayer, Matchbox Twenty, or others – they all sing songs about relationships and love, about having our hearts broken. They tell us what a great relationship should look like, and they tell us what a loving relationship should be.

I wanted my kids, their friends, and others to hear music about romance and passion from a Christian perspective. I wrote these songs with the thought that I want young people to hear godly, healthy ideas of what romance could and should be. I also wanted to portray some of the challenges and struggles.

What really birthed the idea is the fact that I really believe relationships are the greatest gifts God has given us. First and foremost, of course, is our relationship with him. It's the reason we live and breathe, and it's the ultimate purpose of why we're here. But he's also given us relationships with one another. I believe marriage is at the top of the list – the ultimate fruition – but all of our relationships are reflections of our relationship with him. And, if we're wise, we can learn that they teach us more about him.

Scripture tells us over and over again that our greatest calling is to love well those whom God has put in our lives. Jesus said that this is what it all comes down to – that we "love one another." That's why I decided to call the album All About Love and not All About Married Love or All About Marriage.

Do you have a specific example from the album that gives a healthy idea of romance?

Steven I want young people – everyone, really – to understand the power of a kiss, for example. I talk about that in the song "Every Little Kiss." Why does a kiss have such an effect on us both physically and emotionally? I believe God created those feelings and wants us to experience them, and it's all a part of his plan and purpose for us. It's another example of the good gifts he has given us that are to be experienced and enjoyed.

What would you say to some who may be a little intimidated about buying the album because they're not married or in a loving relationship right now?

Steven Well, there's a hidden bonus track called, "Love Stinks." No, I'm just kidding! That's actually an excellent question, one I was asked when I first talked about the project with the marketing department and some of the single people at Sparrow Records. They had the same concern, but after hearing the music they realized the album wasn't just about marriage; it's also about all kinds of relationships with others.

Has the music that has influenced you changed over the years as your sound has evolved?

Steven I think the music I make is somewhat influenced by what my kids enjoy. I love to listen to music with them, and I take some of my musical cues from what I hear. Not so much with Shoie, because then I'd end up doing "Blue's Clues" songs! I want to speak their language musically.

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