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True Believer Review

At the time this recording originally came out I was expecting something different from Phil. Or maybe I was in a different place musically, whatever, it didn't take ahold of me. I could say the same thing for "Invention", the great one-time collaboration with Scott Dente, Wes King, and Phil. And like that revording I have come back for another visit, after years have past.
I am listening as I type, and can't help thinking this REALLY was the CD Phil wanted to make. I believe it must be dear to his heart, for I can hear his passions show through.
His passion for the Lord, his passion for the unborn (note that he credits his son, Ian Keaggy, with "Heartbeat"), his passion to see other believers mature, and his obvious passion for the guitar.

What I see as the CD's weaknesses.
It truly could be longer, maybe a little more intrumental "open land" for Phil to stretch. As far as the production, it's a little more "produced" than some of Phil's other work. (That's not necessarily a bad thing.)

What I see as this CD's strengths.
Phil's voice sounds great. I recall reading Phil's comments about this CD before it was released. He felt that the producer, Alan Shacklock, was helping him to find different vocal treatments for the material. At times I stop and hear what he meant, when I don't totally recognize Phil's voice.

The guitar work is mostly well-showcased within the production, and exceptional, as we've come to expect from one of the greatest living guitarists. (listen to "Wild Heart" and "Salvation Army Band" for trademark, soaring Keaggy)

The songwriting is very good. Interestingly, only two songs claim soul writing credit as Phil. (the beautiful, George Harrison? Beatlesgue "Son of Man" and the earlier "The Survivor") A couple he co-wrote, and the majority seems to be by producer Shacklock. Maybe there is the secret why this CD sounds "different". If so, Phil sounds quite comfortable singing the lyrics of others.

All in all, this CD is worth keeping in my Keaggy collection, and as I said, definitely worth another look.

Review by: A. McDavid, Amazon.com