Glass Harp - Synergy (Reissue, Remastered, Bonus Tracks) (1971/2015)

There is reason that the term sophomore effort has slipped into cliché, and this release is a prime example of it. This is an example of a band trying really hard, but pulling apart in the process; each member competes for the most attention the whole way through. Phil Keaggy's conversion to Christianity doesn't help the recording either; there is a solid rift here between the religious songs and the non-religious songs. There are some issues lyrically, too; several songs are simply inane ("Never Is a Long Time," "Just Always," "The Answer"). Still, when they are hot, they are really hot, and there are plenty of hot moments on this disc. "Song of Hope" is a subdued but driving tune full of great moments and soaring vocals; "Special Friends" is an anthemic rocker high on energy and drive. The recording quality is significantly better here than on the first album.