The Twenty-First Time
Artist; Monk and Neagle 
Label: Reunion 
ASIN: B000UZ4CW2 
Length: 11/39:52

Texas-based duo Monk and Neagle is often accused of falling into the John Mayer/Jack Johnson/Jason Mraz niche – pleasant guitar based songs with little vocal range.  There is some of that on The Twenty-First Time, primarily on songs like "Wonderful Angel", but those who had that preconception need to think again – there is lot more variety and depth here. 

"Beautiful You," an appreciation of God and His Creation, is a Barenaked Ladies meets Indigo Girls style number, while the title track, disturbing in its imagery of Christians ignore "the least of these," is more of an acoustic version of DeGarmo & Key or Rich Mullins (especially with the Irish lilt to the music).

"What Soldiers Do" deals with a father-son dynamic as the father goes off to war, instructing his son to lead his family and to follow God.  Love songs are prevalent as well – "Yours Foreverr", "Wonderful Angel," "Stars Would Fall," and "Into Orbit" all focus on love and developing relationships.  

Monk and Neagle can both play guitar very well.  Having seen them live, I actually prefer them acoustic with no band as compared to the more polished versions here.  Their harmonies and songwriting abilities make for a good listen, though.

Brian A. Smith
27 April 2008