Strong sounds, flaccid theology

Still The Cross FFH. Essential Records.

Still the Cross is the latest disc from FFH and their fifth in six years since their debut I Want To Be Like You. Some call it FFH’s “coming of age” album, as the foursome – Jeromy, Jennifer, Michael and Brian – are now in the mix as musicians as well as songwriters and vocalists. Most fans of adult contemporary Christian radio will appreciate this album’s similarities to other artists of the same genre, although some will see this as a negative characteristic, as their sound is, at times, indistinguishable from Michael W. Smith. However, Still the Cross has some musical varieties that spice up the increasingly homogenized AC format with tracks like “Cover Me” and “All Part of the Walk.” Also, the production is very clean with strong performances, fun melodies, and a big backing choir in the title track.

Still the Cross’s biggest setback is the lyrics, which are mostly frivolous and fluffy. Perhaps this is a larger critique of the lyrical homogenization of AC radio as FFH simply employ the clichés and sentimentalities so popular in the market. But the trite lyrics of “Without You” are disappointing for any committed disciple who takes church seriously: “Saturday afternoon/ I’ve got nothing to do/ So I jump in my car and drive/ round for a while/ This is my holy place/ My favorite escape.” Or the simplicity of “In This Moment” attests to the flaccid theology in our Western culture: “Even though it’s midnight/ And I’m lying in the dark/ I think of You up in heaven/ Yet You are in my heart.”

A Better Place Overflow. Essential Records.

A Better Place is the debut album of Overflow, a band that hails from South Carolina. Overflow drew the attention of producer Scotty Wilbanks (NewSong) and executive producer Mac Powell (Third Day) to create a sound described as “a young Third Day.” The band sprang from their church youth group and aim their music in the same direction. “Being brought up in the church and knowing how important that was to our development,” says bassist Josh Cromer, “we want to offer encouragement and stay focused on the church.”

Despite this admirable mission, the band offers very little by way of imaginative music and challenging lyrics to church youth. Although tracks like “What’s Missing” and “Anything But You” display a southern rock edge and a more aggressive style respectively, most songs are straightforward and predictable. The immature lyrics of “Cry On My Shoulder” only give platitudes. Perhaps Overflow simply needs time to develop their talents. As Mac Powell says, “there’s some incredible potential here.”

Undone MercyMe. INO Records.

MercyMe’s much anticipated release Undone sometimes sounds monotonous, simply repeating the songs that made them so successful. Vocalist Bart Millard’s talent is not to be outdone though there is nothing original or inventive here. Yet, the production quality and enthusiasm to revolutionize their famously acoustic sound make Undone their most enjoyable album yet.

Try Bebo Norman. Essential Records.

Fans of Bebo Norman will appreciate his latest release, Try, as it fulfills the expectations for catchy pop sounds. He is known for his introspective emotional music (as opposed to profound theology or fresh sounds); his songwriting has become more straightforward than urbane.

Joe Wiebe is a graduate of Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg, Man.