| Length: | 51:30 |
|---|---|
| Cuts: | "Let The Lion Run Free" |
| "Can't Get Past The Evidence" | |
| "Signs and Wonders" | |
| "Great Awakening" | |
| "That Kind Of Love" | |
| "Mystery Of Grace" | |
| "Obvious" | |
| "Before The River Came" | |
| "Voice In The Wilderness" | |
| "Who's At The Wheel" | |
| "The Hand Of God" |
Anthems. We've come to expect them from 4 Him. Throughout their career, they've produced strong statements of faith like "The Basics Of Life," "A Man You Would Write About," "Real Thing" and "The Message." Obvious is their seventh recording on the Benson label, a partnership that has lasted since 1990 when their self-titled debut recording was released. That original recording marked the beginning of their anthemic tendancies with a tune called "Where There Is Faith" that showcased their blend and the vocal prowess of Andy Chrisman. Everything since has been built on that immediate success.
The opening anthem on Obvious is a challenge to let the "lion," representing our faith, to "run free," because our aspirations can only be reached if we have enough belief to achieve them. "The Great Awakening" is an anthemic statement of belief that the current age is one of masses receiving Christ. Yet another anthem speaks of the need for one "Voice In The Wilderness" to minister to those in need.
So what are there besides anthems on Obvious? The title cut, for one, is hardly anthem material. It features a distinct eighties feel with spoken vocal samples and upfront synthesizers on the choruses. A quirky here again/gone again bass drives "Who's At The Wheel" along with the husky voice of Kirk Sullivan. It should be another concert favorite in the same class as "Freedom" (from Basics Of Life). "The Hand Of God" is more creative lyrically than anything else on the album, speaking of a desire to "fill the void of reason that my heart can only see." "Signs and Wonders" reproduces and expands an effect used previously on "Land Of Mercy" (from The Message). On the verses, the lead line is doubled in the background an octave lower, which is a pretty cool trick.
4 Him has a lot going for them. That's . . . well . . . obvious, to say the least. They are a pop label's dream group, touring and releasing new recordings like clockwork, averaging about one each year. They are four talented vocalists who could enjoy considerable success individually as solo artists given the right material and circumstance. Their music is created by some of the best producers and musicians in the business (like Michael Omartian, Chris Rodriguez, Jerry McPherson, Terry McMillan, and Tom Hemby). It would be nice to see them take more risks lyrically, though. Songs like "The Hand Of God" and "Sacred Hideaway" (from The Message) are a step in the right direction, but they only show that they could squeeze their creative juices even more. Anthems are always strong and successful for 4 Him, and they should always perform them. We need the basic messages they offer. But artistry should also demand a venturing outside of strong areas to offer empathy and challenge.