For those who kept the faith and waited for Faith Hill to release her new album, patience has paid off.

Simply titled Faith, Hill's new album is a wonderful offering of mostly happy songs.

"I have no reason to be depressed," says Hill during a phone interview with Sun Country.

In fact, things couldn't get much better for this beautiful songstress.

She's happily married to fellow country star Tim McGraw -- and not only is the couple the proud parents of a year-old daughter Gracie, but the duet they debuted when Hill was pregnant, It's Your Love, recently cleaned up at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

And if that wasn't enough to put a permanent smile on her face, Hill's first single This Kiss is currently No. 1 on the charts and she is expecting her second child in August.

Part of Faith's charm is Hill adds tremendous punch to songs with some vocal gymnastics. Some performers, including Vince Gill, say Hill's voice has been enriched since she became a mother.

"Well, maybe it's a little stronger from singing all these years and taking time off, having Gracie and just maturing and feeling more confident. All those things play a big role, I guess," says Hill.

Making this album was more fun than previous attempts.

"The fact I had time to do it made it more fun. Usually, you record a record on the road between coming home and doing shows and it's difficult. The fact I was off the road, got married, had a baby -- all those things ... helped make it fun."

History also seems to be repeating itself, as this expecting mother has included a duet, Just To Hear You Say That You Love Me, with McGraw on her new album.

"We didn't try to find another It's Your Love because it's not possible. The song is too special."

An album of duets by the couple is in their long-term plans, but they aren't actively looking for songs.

What is front and centre on their schedule is the arrival of their second child.

Hill, who's had practically no morning sickness, says they have decided to wait to learn the sex of the child. They've also not explained too much to Gracie, the sister-in-waiting.

"She's only one-year-old, so she just knows that mommy's belly is growing every day. She says 'baby,' but she's just learning to talk, so we'll see how it's going to affect her. But I think she'll be OK."

Hill admits having a child "changes your approach to everything and certainly, in this business, puts life into perspective."

Of course, Gracie and McGraw come first in her decisions and the rest just falls into place.

So far, Hill hasn't had to turn down anything she's really wanted to do, but she's travelling a phenomenal amount because the family likes to be together as much as possible.

"We can only make it a couple of days apart. It means a lot of travelling but it's worth it -- home is where our family is. Gracie just brings a joy and a peace to my life and Tim's life that didn't exist before."

She will tour with McGraw and George Strait until July and then start touring again in October.