Cheri Keaggy - Child Of The Father

Saturday 1st October 1994
Cheri Keaggy - Child Of The Father

STYLE: Pop
RATING 4 4 4 4
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 19199-CAS2754
LABEL: Sparrow SPD1419
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RRP: £1.99

Reviewed by Susan Lumsden

A name like Keaggy is a useful thing for someone seeking recognition in US CCM. But, unlike Uncle Phil, Cheri is not as yet carving out a distinctive style. Her debut album highlights a common problem for artists in the devotional medium. It sits uncomfortably on the fence between performed soft pop and participatory praise/worship. Her voice, at its best reminiscent of Belinda Carlisle or Maria McKee, is too often lost in backing harmonies. Keaggy writes catchy melodies and the slick work of producer Charlie Peacock cannot be faulted. Unfortunately the album's lyrical content is too much like the image on its cover: a smiling soft focus Cheri in a pink jumper. Songs are pleasant, self-assured but a little simplistic - if Keaggy has bad days she doesn't write about them. The opening lines of the title track state, "I am a child of the Father and I know what that means for me." Anyone expecting insight into the problems and questions they encounter as Christians will be disappointed.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by Don in state of Delaware @ 14:51 on Jan 17 2014

New artists keep adding to the ccm pile for the 90's era. Cheri is one of those who joined in the ccm band wagon parade with a debut 1994 fall release.
Awesome producer and ccm artist Charlie Peacock got the ball rolling for Cheri to be heard. Some well known names asssociated with ccm join Cheri for her debut. Among some familiars are Scott Dente on guitar, keyboards is Brent Bourgeois, Phil Madeira on B3 organ, Tommy Sims on bass, & Jerry McPherson on electric guitar.
CCM artist Chris Eaton offers bgvs, Brent Bourgeois harmonizes on song I Want To Follow You.
First song to catch my ears was Open My Heart, great ccm sound and lyrics. Here You Stand is another nice flavored ccm. Title track for the cd is for every believer to sing out, great simple lyrics.
These songs need to be heard, The Cross That Bears His Name is one with the simple message "call on His name". I love "You, Oh Lord, Are My Refuge" based on Psalm 91, love the chorus that will stick.
How many churches have gotten hold of "Worship
Medley" this will get the congregation hand clapping.
I Want To Follow You has that Susan Ashton feel to it when you hear it; it is top quality ccm. Every parent will love "Little Boy On His Knees", very sentimental.
Last # will get your toes tapping at first listen, "He Will Love You" again delivers a very simple message.
Don't be misled concerning Cheri's induction into ccm field, that was all due to producer Charlie Peacock; she was not seeking recognition or popularity.
Charlie has a good fine tuned ear for ccm sound and quality, this is known by all the great ccm artists he has produced. God bless, Don



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