Cave of the Heart

After 25 years of recording, John Michael Talbot still finds new ways to express himself, as 1999's Cave of the Heart illustrates. Without abandoning his Christian beliefs, he re-emphasizes the folky soft rock at the core of his sound, funneling it all into a record that feels like a concept album, even if it isn't. With guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Phil Keaggy assisting in the sonic coloring, Talbot has crafted perhaps his most musically complex and satisfying record in years. The songs are straight-forward, direct, and well written, recalling earlier works, while the music shows a sophistication beyond even his recent efforts. Consequently, it's one of the stronger CCM efforts of 1999 — and one with crossover potential, as well.