Phil Stacey Debut Country Music or Christian?

6/2/2008 Mac McKinnon   Former American Idol finalist Phil Stacey recently finished his self-titled debut album, which combines his love for country music with his strong Christian roots. As a result, the record is receiving air play in both musical formats. Stacey’s first single, “If You Didn’t Love Me” has already climbed to No. 32 on Billboard’s country singles chart, while “Identidy” is receiving air time on Christian stations. The dual-themed album may draw criticism from contemporary country music fans who question Stacey’s assertion that it is, in fact, a country album. Stacey, however, has no doubts. "I sing Christian songs on my country record," Stacey told CMT.com. “"It's honest. That's what I think of as country music -- real life, real honest stories. But it definitely has more of a contemporary edge."