The Wind and the Wheat cover

The Wind and the Wheat

Phil Keaggy · 1987

50 min · 10 tracks · contemporary Christian music

A reflective blend of acoustic melodies and spiritual themes woven through intricate guitar work and soothing vocals.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Wind and the Wheat — This title track encapsulates the album's essence, blending poetic imagery with a gentle melody that resonates deeply with listeners seeking solace and reflection.
  • →
    I Love You Lord — An enduring classic within contemporary worship, this song's simplicity and heartfelt expression make it an essential part of Keaggy's legacy.
  • →
    Paradise Dream — With its lush harmonies and evocative lyrics, this track illustrates Keaggy's ability to create a vivid auditory landscape that invites contemplation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album features intricate guitar work and spiritual themes, appealing to its contemporary Christian audience.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a gentle instrumental track that sets a reflective tone, followed by songs that feature intricate guitar work and soothing vocals.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the spiritual themes present in the lyrics.
  • The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a meditative atmosphere that contrasts with the more upbeat earlier songs.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady melodic journey unfolds
  • reflective soundscape for contemplation
  • heartfelt melodies with lush textures
  • ideal for quiet introspection

Maybe skip if you

  • seeks fast-paced excitement
  • prefers standalone energetic tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Keaggy's reputation in contemporary Christian music.
Career context
By the time Phil Keaggy released The Wind and the Wheat, he was already an established figure in contemporary Christian music, following his acclaimed album Love Broke Through in 1987. This release marked a continuation of his exploration of faith through music, showcasing his signature fingerstyle guitar techniques and lyrical depth.
Stylistic neighbors
Michael Card· Rich Mullins· Andrew Peterson

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 March of the Clouds 5:19
  • 2 Paradise Dream 5:34
  • 3 The Wind and the Wheat 4:33
  • 4 Where Travellers Meet 6:35
  • 5 From Shore to Shore 3:06
  • 6 Prayer 4:22
  • 7 The Mission 5:00
  • 8 The Promise 4:34
  • 9 The Reunion 6:04
  • 10 I Love You Lord 5:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata