Keaggy is pretty much on a roll from here on out, producing album after album of great work comprised of good, solid, catchy songs that are accessible on every level, yet with enough sophistication to be appreciated by all manner of audiences. With a great band and great production,
Keaggy really shines here. While still hearkening back to the '60s sound he was chasing on the previous year's
Phil Keaggy & Sunday's Child, this record is more mature and full of new explorations. And littering the album in various places are little studio outtakes noted only on the sleeve with a picture of a guitar. The first of these opens with an acoustic melody showcasing his incredible guitar technique, but closes one note short of a phrase -- a nod to
the Beatles' "Her majesty is a pretty nice girl..." from
Abbey Road. All the vocal songs are well-constructed, starting with the killer "Strong Tower," with
Keaggy belting out notes that make him seem another foot-and-a-half taller. "Get Over It" is injected with a groovy vocal/guitar interplay that is simply infectious. Big celebratory sound on "Final Day." For fans of
Sunday's Child, this is a continuation with more development -- a fantastic record. ~ Mark W. B. Allender