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Back Issues
Reviews
CD Review
Still The Cross
FFH
© 2004 Essential Records/Provident/BMG.
Review by Jo van Leerdam
It may be tempting to think that after five albums in as many years,
those albums may start to sound very much alike, but that’s not true of
FFH or of this album. It offers vibrant harmonies, more upbeat rhythms
and less acoustic sound than the previous album Found A Place
(previously reviewed in T&S). Still The Cross has more of a “pop” tone
and style with good variety among the tracks. The use of strings and
brass give the music a fuller, more robust feel. The melodies are
certainly hooky and the lyrics still have spiritual depth and substance
to them.
The lyrics express faith and trust in our faithful and gracious God, and rejoice in the blessings with which He fills the lives of those who trust and obey Him.
The title track “Still The Cross” expresses the certainty that although the world is untrustworthy and full of pain, the cross of Christ stands in the midst of all that to remind us that our Saviour is unshakeable. He hears our prayers, gives us peace, and never forsakes us. The song closes with the assurance that the world will pass, and then every knee will bow before Him and acknowledge Christ as Lord of all.
The theme of confidence in Christ is further developed in the other songs on the album. “You Love Me Anyway” and “Cover Me” elaborate on the theme of God’s love and grace despite our sinfulness. “You Drive” is a song of submission and repentance, while “Without You” conveys dependence on God and His provision. God’s faithfulness is further explored in “All Part Of The Walk”, (a Beatles-reminiscent tune complete with honky tonk piano and whimsical bits) which discusses how we deal with the problems we encounter in our lives, and demonstrates faith and trust in God despite our sinfulness and the brokenness of the world in which we live. “In This Moment” is a cheerful and confident expression of the joy we can have in knowing that God is indeed with us, every moment and everywhere we go.
The album also carries a strong endorsement of the blessings of marriage. “The Long Haul” and “Another Day With You” deliver definite communication of submission to God and gratitude for His blessings in providing a partner for life in their message of commitment to marriage and determination to make relationships work. These tracks demonstrate the difference between a true Christian marriage founded on mutual faith in Christ, and that of broken marriages and relationships that are so common today. This world exhibits a general trend toward “disposable relationships” and non-existent marriages, so this message is more than simply refreshing. It is crucial that our young people are challenged to see that marriage really does work when people follow God’s design and instructions.
I really enjoyed this album. I appreciate the
sincerity and conviction of the message of each song. I would recommend
this for anyone who has enjoyed the previous FFH albums, and for
families, teens and young adults who enjoy pop-style music with
wholesome and constructive lyrics that glorify God and His work in our
lives.
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