We live in an age built for instant entertainment, where nearly every song, series, and film is expected to appear the moment we want it and disappear the moment our attention shifts. Television is devoured in binges, albums are sampled and abandoned with a swipe, and real investment in art often amounts to little more than a monthly subscription fee — unless, of course, we choose the ad-supported version and call it free.
Veteran artists occupy a different and increasingly rare space. Their audiences came of age in a culture where paying for music, books, and concerts was not a burden but a meaningful way to support the people whose work enriched their lives. That is especially evident in music, where established performers often turn directly to loyal fans to fund new projects without bending to industry pressures. Phil Keaggy’s new album, “Things of Heaven,” currently available only as a paid download through his Bandcamp page, stands as a shining example: a fresh, deeply felt work from a master guitarist still operating at the height of his gifts.
Built around lyrics by Christian scholar and author Kevin Belmonte, “Things of Heaven” blends seasoned craftsmanship with an appealing sense of unvarnished sincerity. It is not a lo-fi record, yet its intimacy is unmistakable. Keaggy handles all instrumentation except drums and keyboards on one track, while also providing every vocal, giving the project a personal quality that recalls his first solo album, “What a Day,” recorded more than half a century ago. The result favors presence over overproduced polish, allowing the warmth of the performances and the strength of the songs to come through clearly.
And the songs are rich indeed. Keaggy has always had a gift for rock-infused pop melody in the Paul McCartney tradition, and “Things of Heaven” offers that gift in abundance. Bright, buoyant tracks such as “Across the Years” and “Here It Is” echo the power-pop charm of his 1988 classic “Phil Keaggy and Sunday’s Child,” while the gentler acoustic pieces carry the familiar radiance longtime listeners know well. Keaggy, who turns 75 this year, still sings with a clear, high warmth that feels remarkably undimmed. His guitar work is more measured than flashy here, emphasizing grace and restraint, though flashes of the fluid brilliance that made him famous still burn through at just the right moments.
The defining mood of “Things of Heaven” is peaceful joy — or perhaps joyful peace. Its quieter passages create space for reflection, inviting listeners to step away from screens and noise and spend time with music shaped by faith, beauty, and calm attention. This is sweet music without becoming sugary, contemplative without turning dull, and far removed from the relentless clamor of much contemporary pop. Too often, beloved artists continue long after their powers have faded, with weakened voices and diminished hands betraying the years. Phil Keaggy is not one of them. “Things of Heaven” makes clear that the Master’s musician remains exactly that: a true master.
