Search - Scott Riggan :: Clouds & Fire

Pure Perfect Pop!

David J. Spuria | Webster, Massachusetts | 03/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Christian music is like a cookie cutter from 1972. There's little if anything fresh about it. And though there's tons more melody in today's CCM, it's still lacking that musical passion it's subject matter demands. Fortunately, there are artists like Scott Riggan who expand the medium. On Clouds and Fire, you get a sense of what a good pop-rock record can sound like. With nods to Steely Dan and Chicago and even America, this album, glistens with grooves that pick it up and put it down. The obvious hit "Words Fail" is a jazz-rock gem which could be on mainstream AC stations right now. As for Christian radio, who knows. Riggan would be smart to send this out as a CD single. "Ready To Fly" is not the FFH tune but a more ragged and staggered melody. "Designer" makes nice use of acoustic guitars and a late 70's style keyboard sound. Riggan is a master of melody, and it shows here as brightly as anything else on this collection. "Too Much For Me" borrows heavily from a Carole King melody (It's Too Late) but quickly expands beyond the intro. The song twists and turns along with some excellent use of keyboards. The subject matter focuses on relationships between Riggan and God. You get some interesting horn parts on many of these songs. No question Scott listened to some vintage '70's production work. Even flutes make their way into the mix.



There's much that can be said about the work of Scott Riggan. But without a doubt, there's great production, terrific songwriting, and enough pop grooves to supply most artists with a lifetime of singles. This is one great indy album. Buy it. It will strengthen your walk with God, while at the same time make your ears smile. 5 stars!"

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Daniel J. Morgan | Colorado | 12/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Scott Riggan is one of my favorite Christian artists. I enjoy his smooth music, and smart, thought-worthy lyrics. "Clouds and Fire" is more classic Riggan. Very nice to listen to, and occasionally warrants cranking the volume. There are a couple of rifs which seem borrowed from other artists (Carole King?), but which I thought were nicely done. Buy it! Like it!"