Search - Phil Laeger :: All I Held Onto

Though based in the world of Ben-Folds-ish piano rock and folk-pop melodies, Phil Laeger reaches out on his debut solo album to include eastern and classical influences - string arrangements on two of the tunes, Chicagoesque brass on "Wonder", ethnic percussion on "All These Dreams"...even sitar on "Don't Want the Music". Not uncomfortably reaching outside his realm of composition, Laeger all the time stays true to form, weaving together a set of songs that not only hold together well as an album, but, more importantly, tell a story ... a good story. Throughout "All I Held Onto", Laeger challenges himself and the church with themes of commitment, unity and priority. Filled with songs of passion for God and music, and the tension between pride in talent and humility of heart for God's gifts, Laeger's first outing could best be summed up in the words to the final song... "I don't want the music without You...I don't care the melody - that is one song I won't sing. I don't wanna do this without You..." In honestly reflecting on everything, good or bad, in his own heart, Laeger challenges all of us to stop where we are, lay ourselves out flat before God, and ask, "What is it that I'm holding onto?"