Phil Keaggy

More than 25 years after the release of his first solo album, Keaggy finally has an eponymously titled work. Appropriately so, because after several instrumental, collaborative, and tribute works, he has brought all his influences together to create music that is diverse in its influences but cohesive in its execution. Stylistically, the album ranges from the opening acoustic pop of "A Sign Came Through the Window" to the Celtic influences of "Beneath the Blood-Stained Lintel" and "Above All Things" to the Beatlesque "Tender Love," but all the songs benefit from stellar arrangments, inspiring and intelligent lyrics, and the best vocals Keaggy has recorded to date. Keaggy's legendary guitar heroics are understated here, reserved more for the intricate rhythm patterns than extended solos or rock jams (although there are several electric cuts on the album). More importantly, perhaps, is that Keaggy wrote or co-wrote every song on the album and participated in its production. This is truly his album, and brings together everything he has been developing during his solo career into a statement of where he is now as a musician and as a Christian. Fans of a particular Keaggy style may want to look elsewhere, but those who want a complete portrait of the artist should start here.