First and foremost, I have enjoyed FFH's music since their very first album. I had just became a Christian and it greatly helped me to approach my newfound Savior. None of their albums have touched me like that one but this album is very good pop, and that is odd coming from me as I am not a pop music fan. In it's genre, FFH stand as one of the very best, both with their beautiful harmonies and stick to your head melodies, yet in a Christian music scene that is growing in many ways it just cannot hold it's own. From the rugged and organic sounds of Bebo Norman and Michael Mcdonald, the incredible musicianship of caedmon's call, and the coolness of Third Day, I find myself drifting farther away from the FFH influence and in more adventurous territory. yet, for the moment, this is a very uplifting and fun album to kick back and listen to at the end of a tough day, as it constantly reminds one of the Father and His love.

Still the Cross is FFH's fifth full studio project for Essential Records in as many years. The group's members, who grew up in Lancaster County, PA, where Harrison Ford's 1985 movie Witness was filmed, have again put out a fun, "driving with the top down" CD.

That's not to say that the CD is lacking in substance. Some songs are lighthearted, such as "You and Only You," with lyrics written by Jeromy Deibler for his baby son Hutch, or "Without You," an upbeat, sing-along tune.

Yet, the same depth found in past FFH songs, such as "Lord Move, Or Move Me," is apparent in the title track's lyrics, "When the world falls apart / And you fear for your heart / There's a tower of peace / It's still the cross."

Some tracks are simultaneously both fun and serious. The sentiment, "Let go and let God," is expressed lyrically in "You Drive I'll Ride," a track with a hook-filled, vintage FFH vibe written by Deibler and bassist Brian Smith. Of all the numbers on the disc, this is the most radio-friendly song, and the one longtime fans will most easily recognize as an FFH tune.

Some critics have accused the group of singing trite songs, but "The Long Haul," written by Deibler for his wife, Jennifer, is a beautiful testament to the enduring love of a husband and wife. As an adult child of divorce, Deibler pledges in this song not to make the same mistake himself: "I'm in for the long haul / Bring on the fight / I will, I will stand tall / With all my might / And face the wind and face the rain/ And even the pain / Through it all / I'm in for the long haul."

In typical FFH fashion, the songs are all unashamedly Christian without being preachy. It's the kind of music the group can sing to an audience of basketball enthusiasts, as they frequently do after NBA games, and to church groups alike.

Lead vocalist, Jeromy Deibler, along with Bob Wohler (FFH, Third Day), served as co-executive producer for the album. Deibler brought his experience from producing for Big Daddy Weave and Palisade to this collection. Mark Miller (Casting Crowns, Sawyer Brown) and Scott Williamson (Lincoln Brewster, Point of Grace) did the bulk of the actual production work.

As always, FFH's vocals are spot-on. The harmonies of Jennifer and Jeromy Deibler, along with Brian Smith and Michael Boggs, are unparalleled by any group other than Phillips, Craig and Dean in today's Christian music scene.

Fans will notice some musical changes on this album. Some might like the changes, while others might not. The cutesie-pie "oh yeah"s and "yeah-yeah-yeah"s of past albums, which were long scorned by critics, but enjoyed by many fans, are gone. Horns playing in "You Love Me Anyway" create a more funky sound than in past FFH works, almost reminiscent of the group Chicago. When "All Part of the Walk" began to play, I wondered for a split second why Mark Schultz was singing. He wasn't, but Deibler sure sounds like him on this number. The whole feel of the song is that of a Schultz work, too, with Beatlesque "Magical Mystery Tour" musical elements thrown in.

This album is FFH's most progressive work to date, with Deibler, Smith and Boggs playing lead instruments and relying less on studio musicians. Although some songs lack the intensity that makes an exceptional album, they have again put out an engaging, catchy work that will get significant airplay and gain new fans.

My favorite song on this CD is "Still The Cross". I really like FFH's style and sound...they're one of my Contemporary Christian Music favorites. It's good to hear some new music from them especially after having listened to and sung along to many of their others songs countless times over. I really recommend to everyone who is interested in FFH, to get a copy of every CD they have released..and just fall in love with the Lord.