Music Review: Into The Light, Phil Stacey

Once known as a contestant on American Idol, now Phil Stacey comes to us with his own material; Into The Light. This album starts with “Inside Out” as it’s a mid-range pop rock song filled with passionate lyrics, hints of piano and nice rhythms that are quite compelling. Next was “It’s Gotta Be Love” which is a standard love song that has a ton of power in its depth with rising shouts and calming moods perfect on contemporary radio stations.

”Sanctuary” is similar to the last two tracks in its vocal harmony; yet is different in its arrangement as it’s a bit more assertive in its guitars. Stacey gives us another softy on “With All My Heart” as this is a wonderful worship track that pours out his emotions in lyric and music as it’s a flushing rendition of something so extremely deep. This disc’s title track is up and gives off this modern alternative tinge to its voice as “Into The Light” isn’t too catchy; nor is it too serene as turned-down bass lines and crisp riffs are rendered from the keyboards jutting outward creating a luscious pop cut. Phil brings us a traditional praise cut on “Glorious as it’s just him playing an acoustic guitar wailing out to Heaven as bass drum and other percussive elements surround him as this could shed tears in your eyes.

“Hard To Get” yet again slows it down immensely showcasing his skills as it’s an intimate portrayal defining what we knew from his television days. Into The Light provided us a great introduction into Phil Stacey’s inner workings. Stacey has grown from his American Idol performances and broadened himself into a competent artist.