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Because he First Loved Us
Cheri Keaggy
Because he First Loved Us
Genres: Pop, Christian & Gospel
 
  •  Track Listings (13) - Disc #1

Cheri Keaggy s new album, Because He First Loved Us, is her most compelling work to date, surpassing her five studio albums which produced a best-selling greatest hits collection, nine number one singles and a Dove Award. ...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Cheri Keaggy
Title: Because he First Loved Us
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Tag Artist Group
Original Release Date: 1/1/2007
Re-Release Date: 2/13/2007
Genres: Pop, Christian & Gospel
Style: Pop & Contemporary
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 636671202025

Synopsis

Product Description
Cheri Keaggy s new album, Because He First Loved Us, is her most compelling work to date, surpassing her five studio albums which produced a best-selling greatest hits collection, nine number one singles and a Dove Award. It is an artful blend of intelligent, truthful lyrics and well-crafted pop hooks; all neatly pulled together by her unforgettable blue-velvet vocals expressing the day to day reality of a walk with Christ.

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CD Reviews

A gifted singer/songwriter returns after a six-year absence
Michael Dalton | Eureka, CA United States | 05/23/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)

"Before we last heard from her on Let's Fly (2001), Cheri Keaggy had become widely know in Christian circles for adult contemporary and inspirational music. She gained immediate attention through her Charlie Peacock produced debut, Child of the Father (1994). Some of her songs fit the praise and worship format, which led to the release of: There is Joy in the Lord: The Worship Songs of Cheri Keaggy (1999). But aside from the Very Best of Cheri Keaggy in 2006, it's been a long wait for something new.



Where has she been? "Over the last few years I've been marinating in all kinds of stuff, just trying to listen to God's voice and be obedient, trying to parent intentionally and grow in my relationships," said Keaggy. "The Christian life can be quite an adventure! These songs are pieces ... of that."



Because He First Loved Us opens with one of the strongest songs. Inspired by John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, "Stay to the Middle" makes a series of contrasts between fear and faith. "Fear creeps in to keep you frozen / Faith says pray and move ahead / Fear says you will always be broken / Faith knows that broken things can mend." Deliverance is found in keeping to the middle of the path.



The music on this song and some others has a slight alternative or rock edge, which adds to the appeal. Producer Tom Hemby does an excellent job of providing a clean, organic sound with a touch of creativity.



Though this is the first release on her own label, Keaggy keeps to the style that has brought her to this place. Fans of her earlier recordings and adult contemporary pop will enjoy some of her best work.



Cheri wrote all the songs with the exception of Carole King's "You've Got A Friend," which is included as a bonus track. This has always been a great song, and here it's done as a duet with country singer Marty Roe of Diamond Rio.



Uncle-in-law Phil Keaggy contributes a couple of short guitar solos on "This is the Love." As good as he is, he's not able though to steal the spotlight from Cheri, the Hemby brothers, and the other fine musicians and contributors, including Tom Howard, who adds strings.



Cheri's songwriting ability is evident throughout. A good example is found in the piano-driven "Restored (The Grindstone Song)." Though it deals with a weighty subject, it has a light, whimsical feel. "I've been living against the grindstone / Where nothing is sure but the Lord / For He gives us the treasures of darkness / Where faith's greatest riches are stored / And in ways that are quite unexpected / I have learned a most humbling truth / That a faith that has never been tested / Is just growth that is long overdue."



The quiet and beautiful, "The Reason I Stand Tall," marvels at God's love for us as one of a kind individuals. Her Christian perspective is ever in the forefront and God's love and grace are a constant theme.



Cheri is blessed with a beautiful voice and is an accomplished songwriter. This is a return to the adult contemporary/inspirational music that has defined her career.

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