In the late seventies, as a Christian teenager, I desired, like many in my age group, good rock music with faith-affirming lyrics. D&K (known as the DeGarmo & Key Band before changing back to DeGarmo & Key) minced no words in their lyrics and were always "straight on" with their messaging in all their albums. This was refreshing for someone who wanted an alternative to the repetitive songs played ad nauseum in the secular arena heard 24/7 via radio. Many have agreed as Straight On can often be found on various "Top 100 Christian Albums" lists depending on what decades are covered.

Christian rock was already coming into its own with the likes of Larry Norman, Randy Stonehill, Servant, Phil Keaggy, Resurrection Band, and Petra. Like them, D&K was between a rock (no pun intended) and a hard place. Christian radio would not play rock music, while secular radio would not play rock music with a Christian message. It is my understanding they were inspired by Larry Norman, who is considered by many as the "father of Christian rock." When all was said and done, D&K was the first Christian rock band to receive a GRAMMY nomination and have an American Christian group video on MTV.

While there are some great songs on their debut album, This Time Thru, though still raw and authentic, the production level was not as strong as heard on Straight On. Producer Joe Hardy raises the bar, and it all comes together with the music and lyrics moving effortlessly in unison. Their natural talents blossom with Dana Key's crisp guitar licks and Eddie DeGarmo's smooth synthesizer. Even their album cover conveys an air of confidence and certainty that communicates they just made something special. Numerous industry professionals have commended this album for its genuine rock sound, faith-oriented lyrics, and exceptional production quality, distinguishing it from other releases of its time.

So, yes, we are in the late seventies, and the synthesizer was an integral instrument for several rock bands, including Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Styx and Electric Light Orchestra. Eddie DeGarmo could perform with the best of them, but does not overplay his hand. Four songs where Eddie stands out include "Livin' on the Edge of Dyin'," "Bad Livin'," "Let Him Help You Today," and the entire instrumental "Enchiridion."

Dana Key is the lead guitarist and lead singer for all the songs except one, and this will be the norm for their twelve studio albums. His voice -- a combination of Michael McDonald and Mylon Lefevre -- is easy on the ears and can carry a song despite its limitations. Moreover, he is having fun while his guitar play provides a consistent soulful blues sound.

Many of their songs over their sixteen years together were either directed to believers -- encouraging, supporting, and challenging their faith, or to non-believers -- telling a story you would hear in church, like "Jericho" on this album, and Straight On is no exception. In addition to "Jericho," "Livin' on the Edge of Dyin'," and "I Never Knew You" are of that persuasion.

Songs directed more toward Christians, like "Go Tell Them," "Long Distance Runner," "Let Him Help You Today," and "Bad Livin'," spur on their faith and personal relationship. While the guitar takes center stage, the synthesizer blends evenly throughout the music. "I Never Knew You" shines with horns and female backup singers that make this song stand out. (It would have been great to hear one or two more songs with horns and/or backup singers, as the album length is just short of thirty-five minutes.) "Enchiridion" is an instrumental that transitions into "Long Distance Runner." The tempo is perfect as it reminds us of our journey in faith is not a sprint but a marathon, "Up from the gun - you are no sprinter/ The soles of your feet are on fire/ Yet you must run on/ You came to run - that's why you entered/ So put one foot in front of another 'Till your race is won." The song "Mary," an acoustic guitar medley by Dana Key, completes the album on a high note, "Mary, please don't be afraid/There's no man there where He did lay/Run now, run now, tell your friends/Jesus was dead but He lives again/He is risen/ raised up with our sins forgiven/Risen, up from the dead/He did what he said."

Though Straight On is almost fifty years old, this album still rocks and sounds current, but got lost along the way as they soon moved from a blues rock based sound into a pop / rock genre. As mentioned above, airtime was not a viable option for D&K and their peers. If so, they would likely air on today's classic rock stations. Their music is less known to Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) fans because the industry does a subpar job of recognizing past artists, and Dana Key's passing in 2010 has likely contributed to their obscurity. Fortunately, this site helps us discover diamonds in the rough created by talented artists both old and new.

JFH Reader Review: written by Pete Bowen, 3/21/26, for Jesusfreakhideout.com