Cheri Keaggy - Because He First Loved Us

Producer:  Tom Hemby
Record Label:  Psalm 91 Records
Website: http://www.cherikeaggy.com

It’s hard to believe that’s already been seven years since we’ve last heard from Cheri Keaggy.  This singer/songwriter earned a faithful following in the 1990’s due to her charming vocals and knack for writing solid pop/inspirational hooks - as well as being the niece-in-law of CCM veteran Phil Keaggy.  Her songs like “My Faith Will Stay”, “Heavenly Father”, and “What a Privilege” were hits at AC radio, but as the dynamic at radio changed - her songs got lost in the shuffle.  In 2001, Keaggy released Let’s Fly, a watershed album of sorts for the songwriter - featuring striking melodies and more experimentation - and was unfortunately the last we heard from her until now.  Cheri is returning with the self-released work Because He First Loved Us - an album that features a more stripped down sound that focuses more on the beauty of Keaggy’s vocals and songwriting as opposed to slick production work and made-for-radio tunes.  Musically, this is Keaggy at her finest - more raw in sound but stunning in scope - not unlike what you’d hear from Amy Grant or Sara Groves - much in part to the strong production work from Tom Hemby (Amy Grant, Faith Hill, Twila Paris).  There’s just a lot to like here - even though the album does tend to drag at times - but one can tell that Cheri is clearly home in her own skin on tracks like “Stay to the Middle”, “Because He First Loved Us”, “Restored (The Grindstone Song)”, and “Now I Can Sing”.  She shifts between an acoustic backdrop and piano instrumentation pretty seamlessly.  Lyrically, there’s not a lot here that one hasn’t before many times over - but that doesn’t mean the songs aren’t well crafted as Keaggy has always known how to write a song with deep convictions about the Christian life.  The main drawback about this CD is the lack of a major label to back it and get it into the hands of everyone who needs to hear it.  Keaggy has recorded another fine album that her fans, as well as fans of the more introspective moments of Kim Hill or Amy Grant might produce, would love.  Because He First Loved Us is a fine addition to Keaggy’s already strong catalog.

Purchase Because he First Loved Us. 

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