At first listen to Reflection of Something, Todd Agnew's sophomore release, you're going to notice a lot of blues and a lot of southern gospel, and a lot less of the Agnew you came to know on This Fragile Breath. It seems like a bad thing at first, but give it just a little time, and Reflection… will win you over with it's eclectic take on every genre it touches on, and Agnew's always insightful lyrics.

The album begins on a very gospel-bluesy note and continues for a few track before things mellow out and it's a bit more like the Todd Angew of This Fragile Breath. Still, an overtly southern gospel tone is noticeable on nearly every track, with Agnew's deep, raspy vocals. They're the blues we were aware of in the past, just simply broadened. But the gospel is a new branch for Agnew. He pulls it off at times with pipe organs, and at other times with a choir.

Agnew proved his knack for passionate lyrics on his debut, and he furthers his ability on Reflection…. On the album opener, "Something Beautiful," he states, "It's funny how all I can be is someone completely ugly. And yet when You look at me, You don't see wretch. You see a reflection of something beautiful." He talks about compassion on for those in need on "Mercy in Me," "…Your heart breaks for those kids… with a few gifts and a little time, it's another crown I can lay at the feet of your throne."

Todd Agnew's latest is a mixed bag with mostly good in store for anyone that gives it a listen. Different than This Fragile Breath in nearly every sense of the word, yet familiar enough that old fans should still be able to embrace this second chapter in his career.

- Review date: 08/08/05, written by Josh Taylor