Cheri Keaggy is somewhat of an anomaly. One would think that the contemporary Christian music genre would be chock-full of bright, fresh praise and worship music. Unfortunately, most would admit, it is not.
With her sophomore effort, My Faith Will Stay, Keaggy has added another project to help fill that void. Perhaps it's the many years of experience as the worship leader of her local church that gives Keaggy the ability to craft wonderfully original, yet catchy, songs of adoration and encouragement. I tend to feel that it's more a natural gift, not unlike Twila Paris, whose standards-"Lamb Of God," "You Are Exalted," "We Will Glorify"-provide apt comparison for the nature of Keaggy's writing style, as well as the atmosphere and attitude that she engenders. True worship is not something that can be contrived-it has to be earnest-and Keaggy's songs seem to flow directly from her heart to the ears of her listeners, and then to the feet of God. There's no trace of formulaic writing or insincerity here. Indeed, My Faith Will Stay should solidify Keaggy's reputation as a true songwriter who creates warm and inspirational songs for both corporate and personal worship.
Just because Keaggy keeps her eyes toward heaven doesn't mean that she is blind to the circumstances common to our human existence. In fact, it is precisely because of this outlook that she finds traces of the eternal within the day-to-day. Sparked by a magazine article about her uncle and aunt, Phil and Bernadette Keaggy, she wrote the title track as a testament to their enduring and overcoming faith.
Looking back into the years There is joy and there are tears But in Your wisdom I have grown Greater strength I've never known.
Likewise, "Keep On Shinin'," a track co-written with Randy Stonehill (and the only piece that Keaggy did not solely compose) gives a call to hope and an exhortation to shine our lights for Christ, even when tragedy and hardship besiege us. Keaggy penned the powerful and poignant lyrics of this song after learning that a dear friend had been diagnosed with a brain tumor, not long after Keaggy sang at her wedding.
Not denigrating or depreciating the pain and trauma of this situation, Keaggy and Stonehill chose to focus instead on the inexplicable joy that the Lord had put in this woman's eyes:
Keep that light in your eyes When the world has you down on your knees Hold on to the hope of heaven Don't lose sight of the Glory above Keep on shinin', shinin' love.
The interplay between Stonehill's signature jangly, retro-styled guitar and Keaggy's winsome, pop touches make this a brilliant and exultant song that reminds us that truly, the "joy of the Lord will be our strength," even in the midst of trials.
Produced once again by the beat-master, Charlie Peacock, Keaggy's music is a well-balanced blend of quality pop and worship melodies (the latter corresponding to the caliber of music on Peacock's Coram Deo projects). "We All Need Jesus" and "Do This In Remembrance Of Me" are two cuts that could easily be incorporated into a regular church rotation. "We All Need Jesus" is an invitation to worship that prompts the listener to join in the singing, while "Remembrance" is one of the most exquisite communion songs I have ever heard (and arguably the most gorgeous melody on the album). Superbly-placed orchestration over a subtle piano base movingly backdrop the reminder to take stock of our lives before the Lord and then partake in the Way that has been made for us.
It isn't often that we encounter an artist like Keaggy-one who has a strong hold on both the hope of heaven, and the fingerprints of God here on earth. Her latest effort, My Faith Will Stay, shares a refreshing perspective and steadfast confidence in the character of our heavenly Father, while musically offering a pleasing mix of pop and praise sounds.
Similar sounding releases
1995Wes KingCommon Creed
1994Out of the GreyDiamond Days
1996SierraDevotion
1995Neale and WebbAt the Cross
1996Twila ParisWhere I Stand
1996David RobertsonSomeone Who Cares
