The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music — #93: 2nd Chapter of Acts, Phil Keaggy, and A Band Called David — How the West Was One (1977)

Intro

Coming in at #93 in The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music, the 1977 live collaboration How the West Was One united three of the most gifted acts in early Contemporary Christian Music—2nd Chapter of Acts, Phil Keaggy, and A Band Called David. The result was a joyful, high-energy celebration of faith, musicianship, and the pioneering spirit of the Jesus Music movement.

The Album in Context

By the mid-1970s, Christian music was experiencing a surge of creativity, driven by artists who sought to convey the message of Christ to mainstream audiences. How the West Was One captured that momentum in real time, bringing together the sibling harmonies of 2nd Chapter of Acts, the virtuosic guitar work of Phil Keaggy, and the soulful backing of A Band Called David. Recorded during a live tour, the album preserved the excitement and authenticity that studio projects often couldn’t replicate.

The project stands as one of the first truly great live albums in CCM history. It blended powerful worship with technical excellence, offering moments of spontaneous praise alongside intricate musicianship. Keaggy’s guitar solos soared, Annie Herring’s vocals inspired worshippers, and A Band Called David anchored the sound with rock-solid precision. In an era before major Christian music tours were common, this collaboration demonstrated what faith-filled artistry could look and sound like on a national stage.

Standout Songs

• “Easter Song” — The 2nd Chapter of Acts’ classic, performed live with an energy that transformed it from a studio gem to a worship anthem.
• “What a Day” — Keaggy’s guitar work takes center stage, blending virtuosity with joyful improvisation.
• “Jesus Is” — A Band Called David shines here, delivering a groove-rich, soulful performance that embodies the warmth of live Jesus Music.

Why It Matters

How the West Was One remains a landmark in the story of Christian music—not only for its stellar lineup but for its sense of community. It captured a generation of believers who believed music could be both excellent and evangelistic. The collaboration showcased that early CCM could rival mainstream artistry while staying true to its ministry roots. Decades later, it still stands as a snapshot of the heart and hope that defined the Jesus Music era.

What’s Next

Tomorrow in the 100 Greatest Albums In Christian Music countdown, we move forward to #92 with Amy Grant and her groundbreaking 1982 release Age to Age—the album that made history as CCM’s first platinum record. Be sure to listen to the companion podcast episode of The CCM Professor with Greg Rice, where we’ll explore how How the West Was One helped set the stage for a new wave of artistic collaboration and worship in Christian music.

Soli Deo Gloria!

This post is part of the series The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music, celebrating the artists and recordings that defined a generation of faith-filled creativity.

As an Amazon Associate, CCM Professor may earn from qualifying purchases through affiliate links. Your support helps keep this series going!