****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
I really enjoyed FFH when they first burst onto the scene almost a decade ago. But after five albums they finally arrived at STILL THE CROSS which just seemed to epitomize how generic their sound and writing had become. It was a disappointing step for them. Now, however, they seem to have finally decided to strike off in a new direction, and the result is easily their best album to date, and one that may be a challenge for them to top in the near future.While their roots are still intact here (most of these songs remain Contemporary Christian Radio friendly), there is an added rock edge to the proceedings - evident from the get go, and especially on the second track. As I listened to each song in excited surprise, I kept waiting for the next track to return to that familiar "fun-pop" sound they had been getting lost in recently, but to my joy that never happened! Each track on here is a unique experience, and would easily be the BEST track on any of their other releases. Finally, this is FFH music I can turn up loudly in my office and not be embarassed by some sudden synthesized trumpet riff or Christian catch-phrase like "You drive I'll ride . . ."And as if tuning up their sound is not enough, they had to go and make this a concept album! Yes, not satisfied to just deliver ten songs that sound the same but bear no relation to each other, this time around they throw in a common theme! See, each one of these songs is written from God's perspective - they are all songs that God would speak to His church and His children. They are songs sung from His point of view - from His lips to our ears. Not songs sung ABOUT how God feels - but God singing for Himself what He feels about us! They are scripturally sound, don't worry - and they will touch you in ways most music will not. To hear God sing that nothing you can do will make Him love you because He simply loves you as you are - brings a tear to these old eyes!!It's this unity of purpose (each song is from God's mouth) that pushes this CD over the edge into greatness. Greatly written songs sung great - I didn't know FFH still had it in them! I am amazed and overjoyed!The one and only drawback is that Jennifer this time is only given ONE solo track (whereas she usually gets two). As usual, it is one of the best on the disk (God sings - "I can't let you go - I can't let you down - I don't even know how!" favorite line on the whole CD). My one further request of FFH, other than continuing down this new path, is to please give Jenny more songs to sing (assuming she wants to, of course).Other than that, this is a great disc from any band, but especially from FFH - get it now!
