New from Keaggy & Stonehill: MYSTERY HIGHWAY

I am not be the most unbiased reviewer of a Phil Keaggy album because I have been a fan of his marvelous playing for years. But it still isn't in my estimation difficult to determine which Keaggy albums better stand the test of time. To give a little perspective, here are my favorite:

Top 5 Vocal in Random Order:

Crimson & Blue

Sunday's Child

Find Me in These Fields

Love Broke Thru

Emerging

Top 5 Instrumental

220

Beyond Nature

Lights of Madrid

Wind & the Wheat

Master & Musician

He's had some missteps along the way. Remember the 2 disc Inseperable album? I must admit beyond a couple decent songs it is highly forgetable.

The other pioneer who teams up with Keaggy on Mystery Highway has not nearly been as prolific throughout the years. Of course, Randy's first album is a CCM classic - one of the best. I also enjoyed the rocking WILD FRONTIER and 1994's grown up effort LAZARUS HEART.

So as they team up for their first full-length collaboration, how did they do?

This album is FUN and it ROCKS. These guys are doing what they do best producing up-beat retro rock that is catchy and invigorating. The production is top-notch and to hear Keaggy once again crank up electric for his best rocking vocal effort since Crimson & Blue is well worth the entrance price.

It kicks off with three raucous rockers WHO'S YOUR DRIVER, BACKWARDS ON HER BIKE, ROCKIN' IN A HARD PLACE with Keaggy flexing his guitar prowess.

A couple of the best tunes on the album are not outright rockers. The country-fied PICTURE POSTCARD PERFECT DAY is wonderful! LOVE IS NOT THE ONLY THING is a great guitar ballad - the only one on the album by the way.

ROCKMAN is the clear winner if silly fun with a rock edge is what you are looking for. Stonehill starts off with a weird vocal intro which morphs into a funky rock anthem "talking about the funky little rockman." You can picture Randy staring right at Phil as he sings this and Phil answers back with his seering guitar. Crank this one up and your kids will love it.

Mystery Highway is a breath of fresh air from the 60s & 70s (if that even makes sense). It's Phil and Randy at their best - having fun and playing music they love. That translates into music that you'll love. Enjoy!